¹proverb

noun prov·erb \ˈprä-ˌvərb\

: a brief popular saying (such as “Too many cooks spoil the broth”) that gives advice about how people should live or that expresses a belief that is generally thought to be true

Full Definition of PROVERB

: a brief popular epigram or maxim : adage

: byword 4

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See proverb defined for kids

Origin of PROVERB

Middle English proverbe, from Anglo-French, from Latin proverbium, from pro- + verbum word — more at word

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PROVERB

Synonyms: adage, aphorism, apothegm, byword, epigram, maxim, saying, saw, sententia, word

Rhymes with PROVERB

acerb, adverb, disturb, exurb, perturb, potherb, pro-verb, reverb, suburb, superb

²proverb

verb

Definition of PROVERB

transitive verb

: to speak of proverbially

obsolete : to provide with a proverb

First Known Use of PROVERB

14th century

PROVERB Defined for Kids

proverb

noun prov·erb \ˈprä-ˌvərb\

Definition of PROVERB for Kids

: a short well-known saying containing a wise thought : maxim, adage <“Haste makes waste” is a proverb.>

Word Root of PROVERB

The Latin word verbum, meaning “word,” gives us the root verb. Words from the Latin verbum have something to do with words. A verb is a word that shows action. An adverb is a word that modifies a verb, adjective, or other adverb. A proverb, or short saying containing a wise thought, is made up of a few well-chosen words. Anything verbal is made up of spoken words.