evolve

verb

i-ˈvälv How to pronounce evolve (audio)
-ˈvȯlv,
ē-,
 also  -ˈväv,
 or  -ˈvȯv
evolved; evolving

transitive verb

1
: emit
2
a
b
: to produce by natural evolutionary processes
c
: develop, work out
evolve social, political, and literary philosophiesL. W. Doob

intransitive verb

: to undergo evolutionary change
evolvable
i-ˈväl-və-bəl How to pronounce evolve (audio)
-ˈvȯl-
ē-
 also  -ˈvä-və-
 or  -ˈvȯ-və-
adjective
evolvement
i-ˈvälv-mənt How to pronounce evolve (audio)
-ˈvȯlv-
ē-
 also  -ˈväv-
 or  -ˈvȯv-
noun

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

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'evolve.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of evolve was in 1772

Dictionary Entries Near evolve

Cite this Entry

“Evolve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/evolve. Accessed 2 Oct. 2023.

Kids Definition

evolve

verb
i-ˈvälv How to pronounce evolve (audio)
-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 adjective

Medical Definition

evolve

verb
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 functioningS. A. Green

More from Merriam-Webster on evolve

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