evolve

verb

i-ˈvälv 

-ˈvȯlv,

ē-,

 also  -ˈväv,

 or  -ˈvȯv

evolved; evolving

transitive verb

1

: emit

2

a

: derive, educe

b

: to produce by natural evolutionary processes

c

: develop, work out

evolve social, political, and literary philosophies

—L. W. Doob

intransitive verb

: to undergo evolutionary change

evolvable

i-ˈväl-və-bəl 

-ˈvȯl-

ē-

 also  -ˈvä-və-

 or  -ˈvȯ-və-

adjective

evolvement

i-ˈvälv-mənt 

-ˈvȯlv-

ē-

 also  -ˈväv-

 or  -ˈvȯv-

noun

Synonyms

• develop
• elaborate
• unfold

Examples of evolve in a Sentence

Her company has evolved from a hobby into a thriving business.

Some flowers have evolved remarkable means of insect pollination.

Recent Examples on the Web

The conversation gave a better understanding of what being an independent artist looks like in today’s evolving industry, and how to sustain the lifestyle. —India Rice, Essence, 25 Sep. 2023

The format has evolved over the years; today, the lectures are delivered in five parts in five Canadian cities, broadcast by the CBC, and released as books. —Molly Fischer, The New Yorker, 24 Sep. 2023

Stapleton left the group in 2010 and Henderson followed a year later, although the band continues with an evolving lineup today. —Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Sep. 2023

Studio 189 got its start as an intimate capsule launch in 2013, and has since evolved into a full apparel and accessories brand. —Angel Saunders, Peoplemag, 22 Sep. 2023

Cyber security, any physical security related to innovation, and protection of critical infrastructure facilities will also evolve. —Yulia Drozd, ABC News, 22 Sep. 2023

His job had evolved over the years, with fewer customers seeking shoe shines. —David Begnaud, CBS News, 22 Sep. 2023

Biologically speaking, hair has evolved to protect us, to keep us warm. —Liana Schaffner, Allure, 21 Sep. 2023

The idea was inspired by Hilfiger’s connection to his own large family, and his desire to continuously evolve the brand. —Jamila Stewart, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2023

See More

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin ēvolvere "to roll out or away, unwind, unroll, narrate (a series of events)," from ē-, variant of ex- ex- entry 1 before voiced consonants + volvere "to set in a circular course, cause to roll, bring round" — more at wallow entry 1

First Known Use

1772, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

evolve

verb

i-ˈvälv 

-ˈvȯlv

evolved; evolving

1

: to develop or work out from something else

evolved a new plan

evolved a safer design from the old one

2

: to produce by a process of evolution

3

: to change by a process of evolution

evolvable

i-ˈväl-və-bəl 

-ˈvȯl-

adjective

Medical Definition

evolve

verb

i-ˈvälv, -ˈvȯlv 

evolved; evolving

transitive verb

: to produce by natural evolutionary processes

intransitive verb

: to develop by or as if by evolution : undergo evolutionary change

an evolving theory of mental functioning

—S. A. Green