First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
bring
verb \ˈbriŋ\
: to come with (something or someone) to a place
: to cause (something or someone) to come
: to cause (something) to exist, happen, or start
brought \ˈbrȯt\ bring·ing \ˈbriŋ-iŋ\
Full Definition of BRING
transitive verb
1
a : to convey, lead, carry, or cause to come along with one toward the place from which the action is being regarded b : to cause to be, act, or move in a special way: as (1) : attract <her screams brought the neighbors> (2) : persuade, induce (3) : force, compel (4) : to cause to come into a particular state or condition <bring water to a boil> c dial : escort, accompany d : to bear as an attribute or characteristic <brings years of experience to the position>
2
3
: prefer <bring charges>
4
: to procure in exchange : sell for
intransitive verb
— bring·er noun
— bring forth
— bring forward
1
: to produce to view : introduce <brought new evidence forward>
2
: to carry (a total) forward
— bring home
: to make unmistakably clear
— bring to account
1
: to bring to book
2
— bring to bear
: to use with effect <bring pressure to bear>
— bring to book
: to compel to give an account
— bring to mind
: recall
— bring to terms
: to compel to agree, assent, or submit
— bring up the rear
: to come last or behind
See bring defined for English-language learners
See bring defined for kids
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Origin of BRING
Middle English, from Old English bringan; akin to Old High German bringan to bring, Welsh hebrwng to accompany
BRING Defined for Kids
bring
verb \ˈbriŋ\
brought \ˈbrȯt\bring·ing
Definition of BRING for Kids
1
: to cause to come by carrying or leading : take along <Students were told to bring lunches.> <Bring all your friends!>
2
: to cause to reach a certain state or take a certain action <Bring the water to a boil.> <I couldn't bring myself to say it.>
3
: to cause to arrive or exist <Their cries brought help.> <The storm brought snow and ice.>
4
: to sell for <The house brought a high price.>
— bring·er noun
— bring about
: to cause to happen
— bring back
: to cause to return to a person's memory <Seeing him brought it all back to me.>
— bring forth
: to cause to happen or exist : produce <Her statement brought forth protest.>
— bring on
: to cause to happen to <You've brought these problems on yourself.>
— bring out
1
: to produce and make available <The manufacturer brought out a new model.>
2
: to cause to appear <His friends bring out the best in him.>
— bring to
: to bring back from unconsciousness : revive
— bring up
1
: to bring to maturity through care and education <bring up a child>
2
: to mention when talking <bring up a subject>
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