kind

play

noun \ˈkīnd\

Definition of kind

1a : a group united by common traits or interests : categoryb : a specific or recognized variety what kind of car do you drivec : a doubtful or barely admissible member of a category a kind of gray
2 : fundamental nature or quality : essence a difference in degree but not in kind
3a : goods or commodities as distinguished from money payment in kindb : the equivalent of what has been offered or received promised to return the favor in kind
4a archaic : natureb archaic : family, lineage
5 archaic : manner

all kinds of

1 : many likes all kinds of sports
2 : plenty of has all kinds of time

See kind defined for English-language learners

See kind defined for kids

Examples of kind in a Sentence

hawks and other birds of that kind
In this city, you'll find many kinds of people.
I like to try different kinds of food.
She described the color as a kind of red.
I think he's an accountant, financial adviser, or something of that kind.

Origin and Etymology of kind

Middle English kinde, from Old English cynd; akin to Old English cynn kin

First Known Use: before 12th century

Synonym Discussion of kind

type, kind, sort, nature, description, character mean a number of individuals thought of as a group because of a common quality or qualities. type may suggest strong and clearly marked similarity throughout the items included so that each is typical of the group. one of three basic body types kind may suggest natural grouping. a zoo seemingly having animals of every kind sort often suggests some disparagement. the sort of newspaper dealing in sensational stories nature may imply inherent, essential resemblance rather than obvious or superficial likenesses. two problems of a similar nature description implies a group marked by agreement in all details belonging to a type as described or defined. not all acts of that description are actually illegal character implies a group marked by distinctive likenesses peculiar to the type. research on the subject so far has been of an elementary character

kind

adjective

Definition of kind

1a : of a sympathetic or helpful nature was helped by a kind neighbor They were very kind to us.b : of a forbearing nature : gentle kind treatment of animalsc : arising from or characterized by sympathy or forbearance a kind act a kind smile
2 : of a kind to give pleasure or relief cooled by a kind breeze
3 chiefly dialectal : affectionate, loving

See kind defined for English-language learners

Examples of kind in a Sentence

A kind old woman took the cat in and nursed it back to health.
It was very kind of you to show me the way.
Thank you for your kind words.

Origin and Etymology of kind

see ¹kind

First Known Use: 14th century

KIND Defined for English Language Learners

kind

play

noun

Definition of kind for English Language Learners

: a group of people or things that belong together or have some shared quality : a particular type or variety of person or thing

kind

adjective

Definition of kind for English Language Learners

: having or showing a gentle nature and a desire to help others : wanting and liking to do good things and to bring happiness to others
—used to make a formal request

KIND Defined for Kids

kind

play

noun \ˈkīnd\

Definition of kind for Students

: a group of persons or things that belong together or have something in common All kinds of people came. What kind of car does she drive?

kind

play

adjective

Definition of kind for Students

kinder

;

kindest

1 : wanting or liking to do good and to bring happiness to others : considerate a kind woman
2 : showing or growing out of gentleness or goodness of heart a kind act

Law Dictionary

kind

noun

Legal Definition of kind

1 : a particular type, category, or class properties of like kind — see also like-kind exchange
2a : an unconverted form a partition of property in kind; broadly : a form other than money forbid a bribe in cash or in kind — see also in-kind b : the equivalent in value repay a loan in kind