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

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

henchman

a trusted follower

Test Your Vocabulary

Difficult Vocab Quiz

Which is a synonym of discomfit?

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ

Word Winder's CrossWinder

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

TAKE THE QUIZ

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games