bring

verb

brought ˈbrȯt How to pronounce bring (audio) ; bringing ˈbriŋ-iŋ How to pronounce bring (audio)

transitive verb

1
a
: to convey, lead, carry, or cause to come along with one toward the place from which the action is being regarded
brought a bottle of wine to the party
b
: to cause to be, act, or move in a special way: such as
(1)
: attract
her screams brought the neighbors
(2)
: persuade, induce
try to bring them to his way of thinking
(3)
: force, compel
was brought before a judge
(4)
: to cause to come into a particular state or condition
bring water to a boil
c
dialect : escort, accompany
May I bring you home?
d
: to bear as an attribute or characteristic
brings years of experience to the position
2
: to cause to exist or occur: such as
a
: to be the occasion of
winter brings snow
b
: to result in
the drug brought immediate relief
brought tears to her eyes
c
: institute
bring legal action
d
: adduce
bring an argument
3
: prefer
whether to bring legal charges against him
4
: to procure in exchange : sell for
should bring a high price at auction

intransitive verb

chiefly Midland US : yield, produce
bringer noun
Phrases
bring forth
1
: bear
brought forth fruit
2
: to give birth to : produce
3
: adduce
bring forth persuasive arguments
bring forward
1
: to produce to view : introduce
brought new evidence forward
2
: to carry (a total) forward
bring home
: to make unmistakably clear
brought home the importance of exercise
bring to account
1
: to bring to book
must be brought to account for her mistakes
2
bring to bear
: to use with effect
bring pressure to bear
bring to book
: to compel to give an account
bring to light
: disclose, reveal
bring new facts to light
bring to mind
: recall
These events bring to mind another time in history.
bring to terms
: to compel to agree, assent, or submit
bring up the rear
: to come last or behind

Examples of bring in a Sentence

“Should I send you a check?” “Why not just bring me the money when you come?” Have you brought the money with you from the bank? She brought her boyfriend home to meet her parents. Love of adventure brought her here before taking her to many other places. This radio station brings you all the news as it happens. Can anything bring peace to this troubled region? Having a baby has brought great happiness into her life.
Recent Examples on the Web Now under the management of All Access Talent and Uno Productions, Fiesta Broadway’s organizers doubled down on kick-starting the free event by bringing the original producers of the festival onboard. Griselda Flores, Billboard, 27 Apr. 2024 While Consuelos provides structure, discipline and pragmatism, Ripa brings loyalty and a passion for positive transformation in their financial and professional endeavors. Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 27 Apr. 2024 The woman standing next to me had brought her daughter, who looked about 11. Charles Homans Robert Petkoff Anna Diamond Ted Blaisdell, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2024 Jones are keenly interested in signing Elliott and bringing him back to the roster. Clarence E. Hill Jr., Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Apr. 2024 Amenities: Pool, restaurant Tip: Don’t forget to visit the shop to bring delicious souvenirs from Can Martí’s kitchen back with you. Monica Mendal, Vogue, 27 Apr. 2024 Driver impairment is not thought to be a factor in this accident and no charges are expected to be brought against the driver, the release states. Nwa Democrat-Gazette, arkansasonline.com, 27 Apr. 2024 Three years later, Katy and Shan Damani, a couple from the Bay Area who frequented the business, took over ownership and brought it back to life. Brianna Taylor, Sacramento Bee, 27 Apr. 2024 The findings roiled communities of color, and the board was brought forward as one way to help build better relationships between police and residents. Lyndsay Winkley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Apr. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bring.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English bringan; akin to Old High German bringan to bring, Welsh hebrwng to accompany

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of bring was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near bring

Cite this Entry

“Bring.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bring. Accessed 30 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

bring

verb
brought ˈbrȯt How to pronounce bring (audio) ; bringing ˈbriŋ-iŋ How to pronounce bring (audio)
1
: to cause to come with oneself by carrying or leading especially to the place from which the action is viewed
bring a lunch
2
: to cause to reach a certain state or take a certain action
bring water to a boil
couldn't bring myself to say it
3
: to cause to arrive or exist
winter will bring snow
bring legal action
4
: to sell for
will bring a good price
bringer noun

Legal Definition

bring

transitive verb
brought ˈbrȯt How to pronounce bring (audio) ; bringing ˈbriŋ-iŋ How to pronounce bring (audio)
: to begin or commence (a legal proceeding) through proper legal procedure: as
a
: to put (as a lawsuit) before a court
b
: to formally assert (as a charge or indictment)
brought charges against him

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