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

Everyone must be ready for anything, and as 100 becomes 50, the kitchen slowly empties and the competition intensifies until one cook eventually walks away victorious. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026

Harvey has worked in the sport for more than three decades, with stops at Bradford City, Leeds and the EFL before becoming a director at Wrexham in 2023. — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 7 Oct. 2026

While the Amalfi Coast’s dirty little secret is its lack of beaches (which become jam-packed come high season), Borgo Santandrea comes with a fabulous private one—and a chic beach club for its guests. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026

The Salvadoran national's case became a focal point in the immigration debate after he was mistakenly deported to his home country last year. — Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 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 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