Definition of gross
1a archaic : immediately obviousb (1) : glaringly noticeable usually because of inexcusable badness or objectionableness a gross error (2) : out-and-out, utter a gross injusticec : visible without the aid of a microscope a gross lesion
2a : big, bulky; especially : excessively fatb : growing or spreading with excessive luxuriance a gross riot of vegetation
3a : of, relating to, or dealing with general aspects or broad distinctions a gross outline of the planb : consisting of an overall total exclusive of deductions gross income — compare net
4 : made up of material or perceptible elements
5 archaic : not fastidious in taste : undiscriminating
6a : coarse in nature or behavior : unrefined has gross table mannersb : gravely deficient in civility or decency : crudely vulgar merely gross, a scatological rather than a pornographic impropriety — Aldous Huxleyc : inspiring disgust or distaste that sandwich looks gross
grossly
adverbgrossness
nounExplore M-W
Examples of gross in a Sentence
They have suffered a gross injustice.
She has a gross habit of chewing on the ends of her hair.
Origin and Etymology of gross
Middle English grosse, from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French gros large, thick, whole, from Late Latin grossus coarse
First Known Use: 14th century
Synonym Discussion of gross
flagrant, glaring, gross, rank mean conspicuously bad or objectionable. flagrant applies usually to offenses or errors so bad that they can neither escape notice nor be condoned. flagrant abuse of the office of president glaring implies painful or damaging obtrusiveness of something that is conspicuously wrong, faulty, or improper. glaring errors gross implies the exceeding of reasonable or excusable limits. gross carelessness rank applies to what is openly and extremely objectionable and utterly condemned. rank heresy
Origin and Etymology of gross
see 1gross
First Known Use: 1579
Other Economics Terms
gross
Definition of gross
transitive verb
: to earn or bring in (an overall total) exclusive of deductions (as for taxes or expenses) The movie grossed over 100 million dollars.
grosser
nounExamples of gross in a Sentence
They grossed $50,000 before taxes.
Origin and Etymology of gross
see 1gross
First Known Use: 1884
Other Economics Terms
gross
Definition of gross
gross
: an aggregate of 12 dozen things a gross of pencils
Origin and Etymology of gross
Middle English gros, probably from Anglo-French grosse sum, whole, from feminine of gros
First Known Use: 14th century
GROSS Defined for English Language Learners
gross
playDefinition of gross for English Language Learners
-
: very obvious or noticeable
-
: rude or offensive
-
: very disgusting
GROSS Defined for Kids
Definition of gross for Students
grosser
;grossest
1 : noticeably bad : glaring a gross error
2 : disgusting a gross habit
3 : consisting of a whole before anything is subtracted gross earnings
4 : showing poor manners : vulgar
Medical Dictionary
gross
playMedical Definition of gross
1a: glaringly or flagrantly obviousb: visible without the aid of a microscope : macroscopic gross lesions—compare occult
2: growing or spreading with excessive or abnormal luxuriance
3: of, relating to, or dealing with general aspects or broad distinctions important to understand the gross behavior of the sexually responding animal—A. C. Kinsey
grossly
adverbLaw Dictionary
Legal Definition of gross
1 : flagrant or extreme especially in badness or offensiveness : of very blameworthy character a gross violation of the rules of ethics a gross abuse of trust
2 : consisting of an overall total exclusive of deductions gross annual earnings — compare net
grossly
adverbgrossness
nounOrigin and Etymology of gross
Middle English, immediately obvious, from Middle French gros thick, coarse, from Latin grossus
gross
Legal Definition of gross
: overall total exclusive of deductions
in gross
1 : as a lump sum — see also lump sum alimony at alimony
2 : independently existing, belonging to a person, and not attached to land — see also easement in gross at easement
gross
Legal Definition of gross
: to earn or bring in (an overall total) exclusive of deductions (as for taxes or expenses)
Learn More about gross
-
See words that rhyme with gross Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for gross Spanish Central: Translation of gross Nglish: Translation of gross for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of gross for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up gross? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!