Definition of grammar
1 a
: the study of the classes of words, their inflections (see inflection 3), and their functions and relations in the sentence
b
: a study of what is to be preferred and what avoided in inflection (see inflection 3) and syntax (see syntax 1)
2 a
: the characteristic system of inflections (see inflection 3) and syntax of a language
b
: a system of rules that defines the grammatical structure of a language
3 a
: a grammar textbook
b
: speech or writing evaluated according to its conformity to grammatical rules
- appalled at the bad grammar of college students
4
: the principles or rules of an art, science, or technique
- a grammar of the theater
