First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
borrow
verb bor·row \ˈbär-(ˌ)ō, ˈbȯr-\
: to take and use (something that belongs to someone else) for a period of time before returning it
: to take and use up (something) with the promise to give back something of equal value
: to use (an idea, saying, etc.) that was thought up by someone else
Full Definition of BORROW
transitive verb
1
a : to receive with the implied or expressed intention of returning the same or an equivalent <borrow a book> <borrowed a dollar> b : to borrow (money) with the intention of returning the same plus interest
3
: to take (one) from a digit of the minuend in arithmetical subtraction in order to add as 10 to the digit holding the next lower place
4
: to adopt into one language from another
5
dial : lend
intransitive verb
: to borrow something
— bor·row·er \-ə-wər\ noun
— borrow trouble
: to do something unnecessarily that may result in adverse reaction or repercussions
See borrow defined for English-language learners
See borrow defined for kids
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Origin of BORROW
Middle English borwen, from Old English borgian; akin to Old English beorgan to preserve — more at bury
Rhymes with BORROW
Borrow
biographical name Bor·row \ˈbär-(ˌ)ō\
Definition of BORROW
George Henry 1803–1881 Eng. author
BORROW Defined for Kids
borrow
verb bor·row \ˈbär-ō\
bor·rowedbor·row·ing
Definition of BORROW for Kids
1
: to take and use something with the promise of returning it <Can I borrow your pen?>
2
: to use something begun or thought up by another : adopt <borrow an idea>
3
: to adopt into one language from another <Many English words are borrowed from French.>
— bor·row·er \ˈbär-ə-wər\ noun
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