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

Phrases

become of

: to happen to

wondering whatever became of old friends

Synonyms

• come
• get
• go
• grow
• run
• turn
• wax

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

Cincinnati Enquirer Cincinnati became the first city in Ohio to legalize accessory dwelling units when city council passed an ordinance in June of last year, going into effect in October. —Killian Baarlaer, The Enquirer, 14 July 2024

In 1919, Garver started what became the state's largest engineering firm, which began by providing structural engineering services for Little Rock High School (later called Little Rock Central High), North Little Rock High School, the Pulaski County Jail and many other structures. —arkansasonline.com, 13 July 2024

Photo: Getty Images That opening 30 minutes clearly lit a fire: Returning to the grass after a short break, Paolini, gunning to become the first Italian Wimbledon singles champion, played a scorcher of a second set. —Vogue, 13 July 2024

Tents were scattered along the school's baseball field and the football field became a makeshift helipad. —Maritza Dominguez, The Arizona Republic, 13 July 2024

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
• destined to become a classic

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