browse

1 of 2

verb

browsed; browsing

transitive verb

1
a
of an animal : to eat (tender shoots, twigs, leaves of trees and shrubs, etc.) : to consume as browse (see browse entry 2 sense 1)
browsing thistles
b
: graze
2
: to look over casually : skim
browsing the want ads
3
computers : to access (a network) by means of a browser

intransitive verb

1
a
of an animal : to feed on or as if on tender shoots, twigs, and leaves of trees and shrubs : to feed on or as if on browse
b
: graze
cows browsing in the pasture
2
a
: to skim through a book reading passages that catch the eye
b
: to look over or through an aggregate of things casually especially in search of something of interest
browsing through the store's magazine section
browsable adjective

browse

2 of 2

noun

1
: tender shoots, twigs, and leaves of trees and shrubs used by animals for food
2
: an act or instance of browsing
a quick browse through the want ads

Examples of browse in a Sentence

Verb Several customers were browsing in the bookstore. He was browsing the want ads in the newspaper. cows browsing in the pasture
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.
Verb
The brand’s stores are designed to be immersive, showcasing its collections in ways that feel more like browsing a gallery than a shop. Kate Hardcastle, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 Keep browsing for even more gems in the Zappos sale section from brands like New Balance, Vionic, and more. Alyssa Brascia, People.com, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
Here’s How to Grow an Easy Mushroom Food Plot Trees, Shrubs, and Weeds In fall, winter, and early spring, the browse category is mostly described as woody objects, such leaves, twigs, and protruding buds set to become leaves in coming weeks or months. Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 12 Sep. 2024 With a predilection for anything mid-century, Recycling Retro in Woolwich is a must-stop for a quick browse. Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 11 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for browse 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English brouusen, probably from Anglo-French brouts browse entry 2

Noun

probably modification of Anglo-French brouts, plural of brout sprout, of Germanic origin; akin to Old Saxon brustian to sprout, and perhaps to Old English brēost breast — more at breast

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

1523, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of browse was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near browse

Cite this Entry

“Browse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/browse. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

browse

1 of 2 verb
browsed; browsing
1
: to nibble or feed on leaves and shoots
2
: to read or look over something in a light or careless way

browse

2 of 2 noun
1
: tender shoots and leaves used by animals for food
2
: an act or instance of browsing

More from Merriam-Webster on browse

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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