simile

noun sim·i·le \ˈsi-mə-(ˌ)lē\

grammar : a phrase that uses the words like or as to describe someone or something by comparing it with someone or something else that is similar

Full Definition of SIMILE

: a figure of speech comparing two unlike things that is often introduced by like or as (as in cheeks like roses) — compare metaphor

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Examples of SIMILE

But Dickens finds the unexpected detail, the vivid simile. Think of Joe Gargery in Great Expectations, “with eyes of such a very undecided blue that they seemed to have somehow got mixed with their own whites.” Or, in David Copperfield, Dora's cousin “in the Life-Guards, with such long legs that he looked like the afternoon shadow of somebody else.” —James Wood, New Republic, 14 Dec. 1998
After the internship year, doctors assume greater responsibility for directing patient care. Dr. Shockcor at West Virginia offered a homely simile: “It's like working in a factory, putting doors on cars. I'm now responsible that the doors get put on right, whereas as an intern I had to make sure I had a door in my hands and didn't miss a car going by.” —Michael Harwood, New York Times Magazine, 3 June1984
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Origin of SIMILE

Middle English, from Latin, comparison, from neuter of similis

First Known Use: 14th century

Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms

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

Rhymes with SIMILE

swimmily

SIMILE Defined for Kids

simile

noun sim·i·le \ˈsi-mə-ˌlē\

Definition of SIMILE for Kids

: a figure of speech comparing two unlike things using like or as <“Their cheeks are like roses” is a simile. “Their cheeks are roses” is a metaphor.>