verve

noun

ˈvərv 

1

a

: the spirit and enthusiasm animating artistic composition or performance : vivacity

b

: energy, vitality

2

archaic : special ability or talent

Synonyms of verve

• vigor
• energy

Examples of verve in a Sentence

She played with skill and verve.

Recent Examples on the Web

One thing everyone seems to agree on, though, is that Workday has the right stuff—cash, culture, existential verve—to do it. — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026

The dress captured Monse cofounders Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia’s romantic verve and feminine sensibility. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026

Mikey, Aaron writes famously rhythmic dialogue meant to be delivered with verve and speed — and delivered precisely as written. — Daniel D'addario, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026

These retain a striking amount of verve and complexity, and taste fresh enough to use raw. — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from Middle French, caprice, from Old French, word, gossip, from Vulgar Latin *verva, from Latin verba, plural of verbum word — more at word

First Known Use

1697, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for verve

• curve
• mirv
• nerve
• serve
• swerve
• conserve
• deserve
• manoeuvre
• observe
• preserve
• reserve
• subserve

Kids Definition

verve

noun

ˈvərv 

: lively enthusiasm