First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1smile
verb \ˈsmī(-ə)l\
: to make a smile : to make the corners of your mouth turn up in an expression that shows happiness, amusement, pleasure, affection, etc.
: to show or express (something, such as approval, encouragement, etc.) by a smile
: to say (something) with a smile
smiledsmil·ing
Full Definition of SMILE
intransitive verb
1
: to have, produce, or exhibit a smile
2
a : to look or regard with amusement or ridicule <smiled at his own folly — Martin Gardner> b : to bestow approval <feeling that Heaven smiled on his labors — Sheila Rowlands> c : to appear pleasant or agreeable
transitive verb
1
: to affect with or by smiling
2
: to express by a smile
— smil·er noun
— smil·ing·ly \ˈsmī-liŋ-lē\ adverb
See smile defined for English-language learners
See smile defined for kids
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Origin of SMILE
Middle English; akin to Old English smerian to laugh, Sanskrit smayate he smiles
2smile
noun
: an expression on your face that makes the corners of your mouth turn up and that shows happiness, amusement, pleasure, affection, etc.
Full Definition of SMILE
1
: a facial expression in which the eyes brighten and the corners of the mouth curve slightly upward and which expresses especially amusement, pleasure, approval, or sometimes scorn
2
: a pleasant or encouraging appearance
— smile·less \ˈsmī(-ə)l-ləs\ adjective
See smile defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SMILE
15th century
SMILE Defined for Kids
1smile
verb \ˈsmīl\
smiledsmil·ing
Definition of SMILE for Kids
1
: make the corners of the mouth turn up in an expression of amusement or pleasure
2
: to look with amusement or pleasure <She smiled at the picture.>
3
: to express by a smile <Both parents smiled approval.>
2smile
noun
Definition of SMILE for Kids
: an expression in which the corners of the mouth turn upward especially to show amusement or pleasure
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