figure of speech

noun phrase

Definition of figure of speech

: a form of expression (such as a simile or metaphor) used to convey meaning or heighten effect often by comparing or identifying one thing with another that has a meaning or connotation familiar to the reader or listener

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about figure of speech

Dictionary Entries near figure of speech

figure of fun/ridicule

figure of merit

figure of speech

figure of the earth

Statistics for figure of speech

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for figure of speech

The first known use of figure of speech was in 1751

See more words from the same year

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for figure of speech

figure of speech

noun

English Language Learners Definition of figure of speech

: a phrase or expression that uses words in a figurative way rather than in a plain or literal way

figure of speech

noun

plural figures of speech

Kids Definition of figure of speech

: an expression (as a simile or a metaphor) that uses words in other than a plain or literal way

Keep scrolling for more

Comments on figure of speech

What made you want to look up figure of speech? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

WORD OF THE DAY

nonpareil

having no equal

Test Your Vocabulary

Words from Greek and Latin Quiz

Which of the following months comes from a Latin word for “ten”?

Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ

SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ