First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1pass
verb \ˈpas\
: to move past someone or something
: to move past someone or something that is moving more slowly in the same direction
: to move or go into or through a particular place
Full Definition of PASS
intransitive verb
3
a : to move in a path so as to approach and continue beyond something : move past; especially : to move past another vehicle going in the same direction b : to run the normal course —used of time or a period of time <the hours pass quickly>
4
a : to go or make one's way through <allow no one to pass> b : to go uncensured, unchallenged, or seemingly unnoticed <let the remark pass>
5
: to go from one quality, state, or form to another <passes from a liquid to a gaseous state>
6
a : to sit in inquest or judgment b (1) : to render a decision, verdict, or opinion <the court passed on the legality of wiretapping> (2) : to become legally rendered <judgment passed for the plaintiff>
7
: to go from the control, ownership, or possession of one person or group to that of another <the throne passed to the king's son> <title passes to the buyer upon payment in full>
8
9
a : to become approved by a legislature or body empowered to sanction or reject <the proposal passed> b : to undergo an inspection, test, or course of study successfully
10
a : to serve as a medium of exchange b : to be accepted or regarded <drivel that passes for literature> c : to identify oneself or be identified as something one is not <tried to pass as an adult> <Mom could pass as my sister>
11
a obsolete : to make a pass in fencing b : to throw or hit a ball or puck to a teammate —often used with off
12
a (1) : to decline to bid, double, or redouble in a card game (2) : to withdraw from the current poker pot b : to let something go by without accepting or taking advantage of it —often used with on <passed on the cheesecake> <thanks for the offer, but I'll pass>
transitive verb
1
2
3
4
a : to secure the approval of <the bill passed the Senate> b : to cause or permit to win approval or legal or official sanction <pass a law> c : to give approval or a passing grade to <pass the students>
5
6
a : pledge b : to transfer the right to or property in <pass title to a house>
7
a : to put in circulation <pass bad checks> b (1) : to transfer or transmit from one to another <pass the salt> <passing the savings on to customers> (2) : to relay or communicate (as information) to another c : to cause or enable to go : transport d : to throw or hit (a ball or puck) especially to a teammate
8
a : to pronounce (as a sentence or opinion) especially judicially b : utter <passed a cutting remark>
9
a : to cause or permit to go past or through a barrier b : to move or cause to move in a particular manner or direction <passed my hand over my face> <pass the rope through the loop> c : to cause to march or go by in order <pass the troops in review>
10
: to emit or discharge from a bodily part and especially the bowels
11
a : to give a base on balls to b : to hit a ball past (an opponent) in a game (as tennis)
— pass·er noun
— pass muster
: to gain approval or acceptance
— pass the buck
: to shift a responsibility to someone else
— pass the hat
: to take up a collection for money
— pass the time of day
: to exchange greetings or engage in pleasant conversation
See pass defined for English-language learners
See pass defined for kids
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Origin of PASS
Middle English, from Anglo-French passer, from Vulgar Latin *passare, from Latin passus step — more at pace
2pass
noun
Definition of PASS
1
: a means (as an opening, road, or channel) by which a barrier may be passed or access to a place may be gained; especially : a low place in a mountain range
2
: a position to be held usually against odds
Origin of PASS
Middle English, from Anglo-French pas, from Latin passus
First Known Use: 14th century
3pass
noun
Definition of PASS
1
: realization <brought his dream to pass>
3
: a usually distressing or bad state of affairs <what has brought you to such a pass?>
4
a : a written permission to move about freely in a place or to leave or enter it b : a written leave of absence from a military post or station for a brief period c : a permit or ticket allowing free transportation or free admission
5
archaic : a thrust or lunge in fencing
6
a : a transference of objects by sleight of hand or other deceptive means b : a moving of the hands over or along something
7
archaic : an ingenious sally (as of wit)
8
: the passing of an examination or course of study; also : the mark or certification of such passing
9
: a single complete mechanical operation; also : a single complete cycle of operations (as for processing, manufacturing, or printing)
10
a (1) : a transfer of a ball or a puck from one player to another on the same team (2) : a ball or puck so transferred b : passing shot
11
12
: an election not to bid, bet, or draw an additional card in a card game
13
14
: a single passage or movement (as of an airplane) over a place or toward a target
16
: pase
Origin of PASS
1pass
First Known Use: 1523
4pass
abbreviation
Definition of PASS
PASSED Defined for Kids
1pass
verb \ˈpas\
passedpass·ing
Definition of PASS for Kids
2
: to go away <The pain will soon pass.>
3
: to go by or move past <Pass that car.>
4
: to go or allow to go across, over, or through <They let me pass.>
5
: to transfer or throw to another person <Please pass the salt.> <Pass me the football!>
6
: to go successfully through an examination or inspection
7
: to cause or permit to elapse <We passed the time playing cards.>
8
: happen 1 <The day passed without any problems.>
9
: to move from one place or condition to another <The business has passed to new ownership.>
10
: to be or cause to be approved <The Senate passed the bill.>
11
: to be or cause to be identified or recognized <She tried to pass for an expert.>
2pass
noun
Definition of PASS for Kids
1
: an opening or way for going along or through
2
: a gap in a mountain range
3pass
noun
Definition of PASS for Kids
1
: the act or an instance of moving <The plane made two passes over the area.>
2
: the act or an instance of throwing or transferring (as a ball) to another person
3
: a written permit to go or come <I got some movie passes for my birthday.>
4
: situation 1 <Things have come to a strange pass.>
Medical Dictionary
pass
transitive verb \ˈpas\
Medical Definition of PASS
Learn More About PASS
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Next Word in the Dictionary: passablePrevious Word in the Dictionary: pasquinadeAll Words Near: pass
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