for

preposition

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\ fər, (ˈ)fȯr

, Southern also (ˈ)fär \

Definition of for

(Entry 1 of 5)

1a —used as a function word to indicate purpose a grant for studying medicine

b —used as a function word to indicate an intended goal left for homeacted for the best

c —used as a function word to indicate the object or recipient of a perception, desire, or activity now for a good restrun for your lifean eye for a bargain

2a : as being or constituting taken for a fool eggs for breakfast

b —used as a function word to indicate an actual or implied enumeration or selection for one thing, the price is too high

3 : because of can't sleep for the heat

4 —used as a function word to indicate suitability or fitness it is not for you to chooseready for action

5a : in place of go to the store for me

b(1) : on behalf of : representing speaks for the court

(2) : in favor of all for the plan

6 : in spite of —usually used with all for all his large size, he moves gracefully

7 : with respect to : concerning a stickler for detail heavy for its size

8a —used as a function word to indicate equivalence in exchange $10 for a hat , equality in number or quantity point for point , or correspondence or correlation for every one that works, you'll find five that don't

b —used as a function word to indicate number of attempts 0 for 4

9 —used as a function word to indicate duration of time or extent of space gone for two days

10 : in honor of : after named for her grandmother

for

conjunction

Definition of for (Entry 2 of 5)

: for the reason that : on this ground : because

for

abbreviation (1)

Definition of for (Entry 3 of 5)

1 foreign

2 forestry

FOR

abbreviation (2)

Definition of FOR (Entry 4 of 5)

free on rail

for-

prefix

Definition of for- (Entry 5 of 5)

1 : so as to involve prohibition, exclusion, omission, failure, neglect, or refusal forbid

2 : destructively or detrimentally fordo

3 : completely : excessively : to exhaustion : to pieces forspent

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about for

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Examples of for in a Sentence

Conjunction the bill should be listed as paid, for I mailed it in on time

Recent Examples on the Web: Preposition In the works for more than three years, a Detroit restaurant offering East African fare is now open. — Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, "Baobab Fare now open with select dinner seatings, here's how to get a seat," 16 Feb. 2021 The Army has been wrestling with issues of modern grooming for several years. — Lee Roop | Lroop@al.com, al, "Army offers new grooming choices for soldiers," 16 Feb. 2021 Most of the other senators were recently reelected and will not face an election for five years. — Katie Shepherd, Anchorage Daily News, "GOP Rep. Adam Kinzinger’s family lashed out at him for voting to impeach Trump: ‘We are thoroughly disgusted with you!’," 16 Feb. 2021 Similar versions of a right to work law championed by New Hampshire Republicans have been debated for years by the state Legislature but failed to pass. — Christian Wade, Washington Examiner, "'Right to work' bill advancing in New Hampshire Legislature," 16 Feb. 2021 McCrum was an assistant U.S. attorney for 11 years. — Patrick Danner, San Antonio Express-News, "Former San Antonio federal prosecutors among names who want U.S. attorney post," 15 Feb. 2021 What economists call total factor productivity has been grinding along with zero to 2 percent increases for years. — Arkansas Online, "OPINION | DAVID BROOKS: The coming technology boom," 14 Feb. 2021 And according to a recent ESPN survey, the wait is likely to continue for at least a few more years. — Dallas News, "ESPN poll: Cowboys’ potential Super Bowl timeline matches Dolphins, Chargers and Vikings," 14 Feb. 2021 Taylor Jones had 13 points and 15 rebounds for the Beavers. — oregonlive, "Stanford turns back Oregon State bid with a dominant fourth quarter, tops Beavers 83-58," 14 Feb. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'for.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for for

Preposition and Conjunction

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Latin per through, prae before, pro before, for, ahead, Greek pro, Sanskrit pra before, in front, Old English faran to go — more at fare

Prefix

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German far- for-, Old English for

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