forge

noun

\ ˈfȯrj

Definition of forge

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : a furnace or a shop with its furnace where metal is heated and wrought : smithy

2 : a workshop where wrought iron is produced or where iron is made malleable

forge

verb (1)

forged; forging

Definition of forge (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

1a : to form (something, such as metal) by heating and hammering forged pieces of iron into hooks

b : to form (metal) by a mechanical or hydraulic press with or without heat

2 : to make or imitate falsely especially with intent to defraud : counterfeit forge a document forge a signature

3 : to form or bring into being especially by an expenditure of effort working to forge party unity The two countries forged a strong alliance.

intransitive verb

1 : to work at a forge

2 : to commit forgery (see forgery sense 3)

forge

verb (2)

forged; forging

Definition of forge (Entry 3 of 3)

intransitive verb

1 : to move forward slowly and steadily the ship forged ahead through heavy seas

2 : to move with a sudden increase of speed and power forged into the lead forged ahead in marketing the product

Other Words from forge Are "forging ahead" and "forging a check" from the same forge? More Example Sentences Learn More about forge

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from forge

Verb (1)

forgeability \ ˌfȯr-jə-ˈbi-lə-tē

\ noun

forgeable \ ˈfȯr-jə-bəl

\ adjective

Are "forging ahead" and "forging a check" from the same forge?

There are many things you can do with the word forge in English. You can forge ahead (which, confusingly enough, can mean either "move slowly and steadily" or "move with a sudden increase of speed"), you can forge a check or a painting (make something fake), or you can forge a sword (make something real). The senses that relate to creating something (either real or fake) come from the same Latin word that gives us fabric, which is fabricare ("to fashion, construct"). We are not certain where the “movement” senses of forge come from, except insofar as we know that they are from a different origin than the “creation” senses of the word.

Examples of forge in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

After repeating the process several times, the Chalybes pulled sturdy iron weapons from the forge. — Jonathan Schifman, Popular Mechanics, "The Entire History of Steel," 9 July 2018 The fires were especially intense due to an unusually late start to the rainy season, which left vegetation dry as seasonal mountain winds kicked up like bellows in a forge. — Scott K. Johnson, Ars Technica, "What is going on with California’s horrific fires?," 13 Nov. 2018 On top of that, the kinds of powerful cosmic forges that would generate high-energy cosmic rays also would produce a torrent of high-energy neutrinos. — Amina Khan, latimes.com, "After years of searching, scientists finally trace high-energy neutrinos to a distant blazar," 12 July 2018 Volcanic eruptions were Vulcan hammering at his forge. — Steven Austad, AL.com, "Star gazing in the 21st century," 28 Apr. 2018 Now the apparel maker has released a new line of workwear made from a fabric named after the iron forge that was once used to make pitons, chocks, and wedges. — Wes Siler, Outside Online, "This Patagonia Apron Is Made for Working," 12 Apr. 2018 But the forge, based on Russian designs from the 1980s, is outdated and the country oversupplied. — The Economist, "A compelling look at the flaws in the Chinese economy," 22 Mar. 2018 Ken Kurtz cranks a blower as its gears scream, stoking flames in the blacksmith's forge, the center of the coals reaching more than 2,000 degrees. — Ben Brazil, latimes.com, "Orange County Blacksmith Guild seeks to preserve the old ways," 26 Jan. 2018 The intro class costs $20 and open forge is $15, which covers fuel and power equipment costs. — Ben Brazil, latimes.com, "Orange County Blacksmith Guild seeks to preserve the old ways," 26 Jan. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Dell unveiled a 49-inch UltraSharp U4919DW monitor on Monday, entering the world of massive screens forged by Samsung's CHG90 and others. — Sam Blum, Popular Mechanics, "Dell's Enormous Curved Monitor Is Here to Bombard You With Screen," 15 Oct. 2018 And analysts say his more nationalist world view was forged by the Mexican political class’s historic distrust of U.S. intentions. — Dudley Althaus, Washington Post, "Here’s what you need to know about Mexico’s presidential election," 1 July 2018 Adam Cimber said over the weekend when talking about the bond forged by pitchers who share the common struggle of just finding a way to succeed in the big leagues by throwing a handful of outs at a time. — Kevin Acee, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Padres bullpen beats Cardinals to even series," 12 June 2018 Ironically, opponents of the Iran nuclear deal forged by President Barack Obama — and abandoned by Trump this year — made similar arguments. — NBC News, "U.S. won't bring up North Korea's human rights issues at Singapore summit," 11 June 2018 The power-sharing deal between Unionist (pro-U.K.) and Nationalist (pro-reunification) parties forged by the Good Friday agreement collapsed in January 2017, and the legislature, the Northern Irish Assembly, has not been able to sit ever since. — Ciara Nugent, Time, "Why Ireland’s Abortion Result Is a Political Headache for British Prime Minister Theresa May," 6 June 2018 Children of poverty forged by anti-immigrant tactics. — Moni Basu, CNN, "Blue state, red valley: In this part of California, a new generation is more woke than ever," 1 June 2018 The trust forged by Burr and Warner has spread among the other senators, who have spent countless hours together in closed session, Collins said. — Erin Kelly, USA TODAY, "How has the Senate Intelligence Committee stayed united on the Russia probe that split the House?," 30 May 2018 The Brewers won four of six against Chicago in September to help forge the tiebreaker game after the Cubs went from trailing them by 4 1/2 games in the division to leading by five. — Andrew Seligman, The Seattle Times, "Cubs, Rockies meet for NL wild card after losing tiebreakers," 1 Oct. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

There are many more women who have forged major careers in fashion our of their modest blogging days. — Marina Liao, Marie Claire, "10 Fashion Influencers Who Run Their Own Brands Like a Boss," 3 Jan. 2019 Showing that Jack and Rebecca are equals and symbolizing Rebecca choosing to forge a path of her own, the two take on a stack of dirty dishes together. — Eileen Reslen, Good Housekeeping, "The Important Things You Totally Missed on 'This Is Us' Last Night," 10 Oct. 2018 The publishing world has been rocked by the story of Danielle Smith, a literary agent who forged false offer letters from publishers to her clients and then advised them not to take the (fake) deal. — Constance Grady, Vox, "Bigfoot erotica is climbing the rankings on Amazon," 4 Aug. 2018 And by 10-year-old Addy Flint, who forged a friendship with Oshie while being treated for kidney cancer. — Stephen Krupin, SI.com, "Capital Thrill: A Former Presidential Speechwriter Finally Gets to Pen His Dream Address," 11 June 2018 Mormons usually have tight-knit connections with other people in their congregations, bonds forged by spending worship and social time together. — Brady Mccombs, Fox News, "Mormon fighting to end youth interviews summoned to hearing," 30 Aug. 2018 Selena has forged her own relationship with Hillsong since Justin's introduction. — Carolyn Twersky, Seventeen, "What You Need to Know About Hillsong Church and the Celebs Who Attend It," 3 Aug. 2018 The Cincinnati Tennis Hall of Fame was established in 2002 to honor the individuals who have helped forge the history, tradition and legacy of Cincinnati tennis. — Scott Springer, Cincinnati.com, "New quintet to enter Cincinnati Tennis Hall of Fame," 15 June 2018 Adam Cimber said over the weekend when talking about the bond forged by pitchers who share the common struggle of just finding a way to succeed in the big leagues by throwing a handful of outs at a time. — Kevin Acee, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Padres bullpen beats Cardinals to even series," 12 June 2018

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

History and Etymology for forge

Noun

Middle English, "smith's workshop," borrowed from Anglo-French, going back to Gallo-Romance *faurga, going back to Latin fabrica "process of making something, craft, workshop" — more at fabric

Verb (1)

Middle English forgen "to form, shape (metal by heat), invent, contrive, counterfeit," borrowed from Anglo-French forger, forgier, going back to Latin fabricāre, fabricārī "to fashion, shape, construct" — more at fabricate

Verb (2)

origin unknown

Keep scrolling for more