saying

noun

say·​ing ˈsā-iŋ 

: something said

especially : adage

Synonyms of saying

• proverb
• word
• saw
• motto

Examples of saying in a Sentence

there's an old saying that you should let sleeping dogs lie

Recent Examples on the Web

The next three chapters offer an anthology of sayings from rabbis who were active in the early centuries of the Common Era, including Hillel and Johanan ben Zakkai, among many other tannaim. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026

But the saying also slyly sets the stage for the men’s existential inquiries; in Cool Machine, Pepper and Carney ask themselves the same thing. — Niela Orr, Vulture, 20 July 2026

As the saying goes, hypocrisy is the tribute that vice pays to virtue. — Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 16 July 2026

Not Knowing Your Plant Knowledge is power, as the old saying goes, and seasonal pruning requires a solid understanding of your plant. — Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 16 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing saying

• go without saying
• if you don't mind my/me saying so
• I hear what you're saying
• quote as saying
• that's not saying much
• there's no saying

Rhymes for saying

• baying
• braying
• faying
• flaying
• fraying
• graying
• greying
• haying
• laying
• neighing
• paying
• playing

Kids Definition

saying

noun

say·​ing

ˈsā-iŋ

: something frequently said : proverb