become

verb

be·​come bi-ˈkəm 

bē-

became bi-ˈkām 

bē-

; become; becoming

intransitive verb

1

a

: to come into existence

b

: to come to be

become sick

They both became teachers.

2

: to undergo change or development

The pain was becoming more intense.

transitive verb

: to be suitable to

seriousness becoming the occasion

especially : to be becoming to

her clothes become her

see also:

become of

Synonyms of become

• grow
• get
• go
• come
• turn

Examples of become in a Sentence

Although I've known him for years, we didn't become close friends until recently.

She won the election, becoming the first woman to be President of the nation.

The book has become quite popular.

We became interested in the property last year.

The crackers had become stale.

It eventually became clear that he had lied.

This kind of behavior hardly becomes a person of your age and position.

Recent Examples on the Web

Many thousands of international visitors are expected to descend on the city for what could become one of the largest eclipse gatherings in history. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026

The Disney Legends Awards program began in 1987, when actor Fred MacMurray became the first recipient. — ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026

Simpson’s run became the headliner in the Rams’ 20-12 preseason victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. — Nate Atkins, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

That growing self-possession becomes visual in the film’s party scene, where Miriam arrives in a voluminous yellow-green dress that immediately separates her from the room around her. — Callum McLennan, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, to come to, become, from Old English becuman, from be- + cuman to come

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing become

• be/become one's own man
• become/come unstuck
• become of
• become unstuck
• destined to become a classic

Rhymes for become

• checksum
• humdrum
• income
• outcome
• pisum
• succumb
• therefrom
• wherefrom
• abomasum
• bum
• chum
• come

Kids Definition

become

verb

be·​come bi-ˈkəm 

became -ˈkām  ; become; becoming

1

: to come or grow to be

a tadpole becomes a frog

the days become shorter as summer ends

2

: to look well on : suit

her suit becomes her