First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
become
verb be·come \bi-ˈkəm, bē-\
: to begin to be or come to be something specified : to begin to have a specified quality
: to look attractive on (someone) : to be flattering to (someone)
: to be suitable for (someone) : to be proper for (someone)
be·came\-ˈkām\be·comebe·com·ing
Full Definition of BECOME
intransitive verb
1
a : to come into existence b : to come to be <become sick>
2
: to undergo change or development
transitive verb
: to be suitable to <seriousness becoming the occasion>; especially : to be becoming to <her clothes become her>
— become of
: to happen to <wondering whatever became of old friends>
See become defined for English-language learners
See become defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of BECOME
Middle English, to come to, become, from Old English becuman, from be- + cuman to come
BECOME OF Defined for Kids
become
verb be·come \bi-ˈkəm\
be·came \-ˈkām\becomebe·com·ing
Definition of BECOME for Kids
1
: to come or grow to be <He became president.> <It's becoming cold.> <A tadpole becomes a frog.>
2
: to be suitable to especially in a pleasing way <Look for clothes that become you.>
— become of
: to happen to <What has become of my friend?>
Learn More About BECOME
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up become? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).