bring

verb

brought ˈbrȯt How to pronounce bring (audio) ; bringing ˈbriŋ-iŋ How to pronounce bring (audio)

transitive verb

1
a
: to convey, lead, carry, or cause to come along with one toward the place from which the action is being regarded
brought a bottle of wine to the party
b
: to cause to be, act, or move in a special way: such as
(1)
: attract
The shouting brought a crowd.
(2)
: persuade, induce
trying to bring them to a different way of thinking
(3)
: force, compel
was brought before a judge
(4)
: to cause to come into a particular state or condition
bring water to a boil
bring peace to the region
c
dialect : escort, accompany
May I bring you home?
d
: deliver
I bring a message.
This station brings you the news every night.
e
: to bear as an attribute or characteristic
brings years of experience to the position
2
: to cause to exist or occur: such as
a
: to be the occasion of
winter brings snow
b
: to result in
The medicine brought immediate relief.
The sad story brought tears to our eyes.
c
: to offer or present for consideration : advance
bring an argument
d
: to cause to be born
brought a child into the world
3
law
a
: institute
bring legal action
b
: prefer
whether to bring legal charges against him
4
: to procure in exchange : sell for
should bring a high price at auction

intransitive verb

chiefly Midland US : yield, produce
bringer noun
Phrases
bring forth
1
: bear
brought forth fruit
2
: to give birth to : produce
3
: to set forth for consideration : adduce
bring forth persuasive arguments
bring forward
1
: to produce to view : introduce
brought new evidence forward
2
: to carry (a total) forward
bring home
: to make unmistakably clear
brought home the importance of exercise
bring to account
1
: to bring to a position from which one must answer for certain acts
must be brought to account for their mistakes
2
bring to bear
: to use with effect
bring pressure to bear
bring to book
: to compel to give an account
bring to light
: disclose, reveal
bring new facts to light
bring to mind
: recall
These events bring to mind another time in history.
bring to terms
: to compel to agree, assent, or submit
bring up the rear
: to come last or behind

Examples of bring in a Sentence

“Should I send you a check?” “Why not just bring me the money when you come?” Have you brought the money with you from the bank? She brought her boyfriend home to meet her parents. Love of adventure brought her here before taking her to many other places. This radio station brings you all the news as it happens. Can anything bring peace to this troubled region? Having a baby has brought great happiness into her life.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In May 2021, one of the largest fuel pipeline systems in the United States was paralyzed when a cyberattack brought operations to an abrupt halt. Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025 An arctic front is diving deep into the United States this weekend, sending temperatures plummeting across all 48 contiguous states and bringing snow into the forecast across much of Ohio. Brandi D. Addison, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Nov. 2025 Daily programming includes shows at the Intuitive Planetarium, with its stunning, 67-foot dome theater, and STEM on Stage presentations, which help bring the magic of science to life. Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2025 There is a rumor that GameDay guest picker, ex-Tech QB Patrick Mahomes, will bring a friend with him to the game. Mac Engel november 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bring

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English bringan; akin to Old High German bringan to bring, Welsh hebrwng to accompany

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of bring was before the 12th century

Cite this Entry

“Bring.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bring. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

bring

verb
brought ˈbrȯt How to pronounce bring (audio) ; bringing ˈbriŋ-iŋ How to pronounce bring (audio)
1
: to cause to come with oneself by carrying or leading especially to the place from which the action is viewed
bring a lunch
2
: to cause to reach a certain state or take a certain action
bring water to a boil
couldn't bring myself to say it
3
: to cause to arrive or exist
winter will bring snow
bring legal action
4
: to sell for
will bring a good price
bringer noun

Legal Definition

bring

transitive verb
brought ˈbrȯt How to pronounce bring (audio) ; bringing ˈbriŋ-iŋ How to pronounce bring (audio)
: to begin or commence (a legal proceeding) through proper legal procedure: as
a
: to put (as a lawsuit) before a court
b
: to formally assert (as a charge or indictment)
brought charges against him

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