verbal

noun

Synonyms of verbal
: a word that combines characteristics of a verb with those of a noun or adjective compare gerund, infinitive, participle

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin verbālis, noun derivative of Late Latin verbālis verbal entry 1

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of verbal was in 1530

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Verbal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/verbal. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

verbal

1 of 2 adjective
ver·​bal ˈvər-bəl How to pronounce verbal (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or consisting of words
verbal instructions
2
: of, relating to, or formed from a verb
a verbal adjective
3
: spoken rather than written
a verbal agreement
verbally adverb

verbal

2 of 2 noun
: a word that combines characteristics of a verb with those of a noun or adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on verbal

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster