verb

noun \ˈvərb\

grammar : a word (such as jump, think, happen, or exist ) that is usually one of the main parts of a sentence and that expresses an action, an occurrence, or a state of being

Full Definition of VERB

: a word that characteristically is the grammatical center of a predicate and expresses an act, occurrence, or mode of being, that in various languages is inflected for agreement with the subject, for tense, for voice, for mood, or for aspect, and that typically has rather full descriptive meaning and characterizing quality but is sometimes nearly devoid of these especially when used as an auxiliary or linking verb

— verb·less \ˈvər-bləs\ adjective

See verb defined for English-language learners

See verb defined for kids

Origin of VERB

Middle English verbe, from Anglo-French, from Latin verbum word, verb — more at word

First Known Use: 14th century

Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms

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

Rhymes with VERB

blurb, curb, herb, kerb, Serb

VERB Defined for Kids

verb

noun \ˈvərb\

Definition of VERB for Kids

: a word that expresses an act, occurrence, or state of being

Word Root of VERB

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.