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

One table became two, then six locations across Southern California campuses. —Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026

In 1977, two women living in the United States Embassy in Moscow become unlikely spies. —Michael Schneider, Variety, 12 June 2026

From prison kitchens to becoming one of the most celebrated chefs in Los Angeles, two-time James Beard Award nominee is reopening his acclaimed restaurant, Alta Adams. —Luzdelia Caballero, CBS News, 12 June 2026

If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 June 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/come unstuck
• 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