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grammar

noun
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gram·​mar | \ ˈgra-mər How to pronounce grammar (audio) \

Definition of grammar

1a : the study of the classes of words, their inflections (see inflection sense 2), and their functions and relations in the sentence
b : a study of what is to be preferred and what avoided in inflection (see inflection sense 2) and syntax (see syntax sense 1)
2a : the characteristic system of inflections (see inflection sense 2) and syntax of a language
b : a system of rules that defines the grammatical structure of a language
3a : 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 also : a set of such principles or rules
Other Words from grammar Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about grammar

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Other Words from grammar

grammarian \ grə-​ˈmer-​ē-​ən How to pronounce grammarian (audio) \ noun

Examples of grammar in a Sentence

English grammar can be hard to master. comparing English and Japanese grammar comparing the grammars of English and Japanese “Him and I went” is bad grammar. I know some German, but my grammar isn't very good.
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Recent Examples on the Web The transcript of that conversation has been lightly edited for grammar and clarity. — Bryan Schott, The Salt Lake Tribune, "A former Utah governor wrote the blueprint for presidential transitions. Here’s how it should work.," 27 Nov. 2020 Dinkins, meanwhile, was known for his courtly manner, dapper dress, and meticulous grammar and speaking style, which represented a refreshing change for many New Yorkers. — Tina Susman, Los Angeles Times, "David Dinkins, New York’s only Black mayor, dies at 93," 23 Nov. 2020 Below are their answers, lightly edited for style and grammar. — Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, "Here’s How Scientists Want Biden to Take on Climate Change," 12 Nov. 2020 The subhead in particular uses poor grammar throughout, inconsistent with a news operation on the scale of Fox Business Network. — Eric Litke, USA TODAY, "Fact check: Fake headline claims car lot owner took his own life after Kenosha unrest," 11 Sep. 2020 Mr Albayrak’s management of the economy has been even worse than his grammar. — The Economist, "Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s finance minister—and son-in-law—quits," 9 Nov. 2020 In general, the suggestion that there are secret signals, like clandestine acronyms and jumbled grammar, that can be decoded to reveal the truth about global mysteries bears the hallmarks of the QAnon community, experts say. — Nathan Bomey, USA TODAY, "Debunked QAnon conspiracy theories are seeping into mainstream social media. Don't be fooled.," 18 Sep. 2020 Logevall convincingly shows that although Sorensen certainly improved Kennedy's prose (and his poor spelling and grammar), the overarching themes and insights came from Kennedy. — Washington Post, "A far deeper, worthier and more interesting JFK," 18 Sep. 2020 But according to the Gurney-Dixon report of 1954, 64.6 percent of children in grammar schools at that time were from working-class homes. — Cameron Hilditch, National Review, "How Britain Imported the American High School," 17 Nov. 2020

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

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First Known Use of grammar

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for grammar

Middle English gramere, from Anglo-French gramaire, modification of Latin grammatica, from Greek grammatikē, from feminine of grammatikos of letters, from grammat-, gramma — more at gram

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Time Traveler for grammar

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The first known use of grammar was in the 14th century

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Last Updated

17 Dec 2020

Cite this Entry

“Grammar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grammar. Accessed 27 Dec. 2020.

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More Definitions for grammar

grammar

noun
How to pronounce grammar (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of grammar

: the set of rules that explain how words are used in a language
: speech or writing judged by how well it follows the rules of grammar
: a book that explains the grammar rules of a language

See the full definition for grammar in the English Language Learners Dictionary

grammar

noun
gram·​mar | \ ˈgra-mər How to pronounce grammar (audio) \

Kids Definition of grammar

1 : the rules of how words are used in a language
2 : speech or writing judged according to the rules of grammar

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More from Merriam-Webster on grammar

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for grammar

Nglish: Translation of grammar for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of grammar for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about grammar

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