get down

verb

got down; got down or gotten down; getting down; gets down

transitive verb

1
: to manage to swallow
2
: to cause to be physically, mentally, or emotionally exhausted : depress
the weather was getting her down
3
: to commit to writing : describe

intransitive verb

1
: to alight especially from a vehicle : descend
2
: to give one's attention or consideration
used with to
get down to business
3
a
: to perform music or dance effectively and infectiously
b
: to have a good time partying

Examples of get down in a Sentence

I was getting down from the seaplane when a gust of wind swept away my hat. it's really getting him down that there does not seem to be one woman who will date him
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Panthers’ passing offense isn’t proficient enough to stay consistently competitive with competent opponents when Carolina gets down big. Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 28 Oct. 2025 Beyond the stars, Ino Toshiro — Japan’s State Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry — got down to business in his speech at the opening ceremony, including the revelation that Japan will be the country of honor at next year’s Cannes Market. Mark Schilling, Variety, 27 Oct. 2025 Surrounded by lilies and white drapes, Mancuso got down on one knee. Daysia Tolentino, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Oct. 2025 After the touchdown, Fletcher got down on one knee and lifted his right pointer finger toward the sky. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for get down

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of get down was in 1647

Cite this Entry

“Get down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/get%20down. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on get down

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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