participle

noun par·ti·ci·ple \ˈpär-tə-ˌsi-pəl\

grammar : a form of a verb that is used to indicate a past or present action and that can also be used like an adjective

Full Definition of PARTICIPLE

: a word having the characteristics of both verb and adjective; especially : an English verbal form that has the function of an adjective and at the same time shows such verbal features as tense and voice and capacity to take an object

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Origin of PARTICIPLE

Middle English, from Anglo-French, modification of Latin participium, from particip-, particeps

First Known Use: 14th century

Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms

ablaut, allusion, anacoluthon, diacritic, gerund, idiom, infinitive, metaphor, semiotics, simile

PARTICIPLE Defined for Kids

participle

noun par·ti·ci·ple \ˈpär-tə-ˌsi-pəl\

Definition of PARTICIPLE for Kids

: a form of a verb that is used to indicate a past or ongoing action and that can be used like an adjective <The word “smiling” in “the smiling child” is a participle.>