Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

OK

adverb or adjective
Save Word
\ ō-ˈkā How to pronounce OK (audio) , in assenting or agreeing also ˈō-ˌkā \
variants: or okay or less commonly ok

Definition of OK

 (Entry 1 of 4)

: all right OK, Doctor, I'll let you know— John Hersey

OK

noun
\ ō-ˈkā How to pronounce OK (audio) \
variants: or okay

Definition of OK (Entry 2 of 4)

: approval, endorsement

OK

verb
\ ō-ˈkā How to pronounce OK (audio) \
variants: or okay
OK'd or okayed; OK'ing or okaying

Definition of OK (Entry 3 of 4)

transitive verb

: approve, authorize

OK

abbreviation

Definition of OK (Entry 4 of 4)

Oklahoma
Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about OK

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of OK in a Sentence

Noun We need her OK on this before we place the order. The boss gave his okay. Verb The boss needs to OK this before we place the order. a judge will have to OK the search warrant
See More

First Known Use of OK

Adverb or adjective

1839, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1841, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1888, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for OK

Adverb or adjective, Noun, and Verb

abbreviation of oll korrect, facetious alteration of all correct

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about OK

Statistics for OK

Cite this Entry

“OK.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/OK. Accessed 13 Apr. 2021.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for OK

OK

adverb
How to pronounce OK (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of OK

 (Entry 1 of 3)

informal
—used to ask for or express agreement, approval, or understanding
—used for emphasis at the beginning of a statement
: fairly well : well enough

OK

noun
How to pronounce OK (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of OK (Entry 2 of 3)

informal : approval or permission

OK

verb
How to pronounce OK (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of OK (Entry 3 of 3)

informal : to approve (something) : to say or decide that (something) will be allowed

See the full definition for OK in the English Language Learners Dictionary

OK

adverb or adjective
variants: or okay \ ō-​ˈkā \

Kids Definition of OK

 (Entry 1 of 4)

: all right I think I did OK on the test. She's not the smartest kid, but she's an okay student.

OK

noun
variants: or okay

Kids Definition of OK (Entry 2 of 4)

: approval sense 2 I need your OK to begin.

OK

verb
variants: or okay
OK'd or okayed; OK'ing or okaying

Kids Definition of OK (Entry 3 of 4)

: approve sense 2, authorize

OK

abbreviation

Kids Definition of OK (Entry 4 of 4)

Oklahoma

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on OK

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for OK

Nglish: Translation of OK for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of OK for Arabic Speakers

Comments on OK

What made you want to look up OK? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

minatory

Listen to the pronunciation of minatory

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

The Exceptions Quiz III

  • one green toy robot amidst many red toy robots
  • Which of these words does not mean "nonsense"?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games