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.
On Friday, Biden walked slowly toward the dual coffins that flanked an urn containing Gilbert’s ashes, gazing for a long moment at the tableau before getting down on one knee in tribute. Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 30 June 2025 The couple has been planning their wedding for nearly two years, with the Amazon founder getting down on one knee and proposing to the Emmy-winning journalist during a summer vacation in Europe in May 2023. Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 27 June 2025 Johnson got down to eye level with Ellen to examine her, assessing her joints and range of motion, checking her blood pressure, and listening to her heart and lungs. Jariel Arvin, Miami Herald, 21 June 2025 The Pacers missed their first eight shots and got down 10-2. Tim Reynolds, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 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 11 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on get down

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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