verve

verve

noun \ˈvərv\

: great energy and enthusiasm

Full Definition of VERVE

1

archaic :  special ability or talent

2

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

b :  energy, vitality

Examples of VERVE

1. She played with skill and verve.

Origin of VERVE

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

Rhymes with VERVE

curve, MIRV, nerve, serve, slurve, swerve