modern

1 of 2

adjective

mod·​ern ˈmä-dərn How to pronounce modern (audio)
 nonstandard  ˈmä-d(ə-)rən
1
a
: of, relating to, or characteristic of the present or the immediate past : contemporary
the modern American family
b
: of, relating to, or characteristic of a period extending from a relevant remote past to the present time
modern history
2
: involving recent techniques, methods, or ideas : up-to-date
modern methods of communication
3
capitalized : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of the present or most recent period of development of a language
Modern English
4
: of or relating to modernism : modernist
Modern art has abandoned the representation of recognizable objects.
modernly adverb
modernness noun

modern

2 of 2

noun

1
a
: a person of modern times or views
b
: an adherent of modernism : modernist
2
: a style of printing type distinguished by regularity of shape, precise curves, straight hairline serifs, and heavy downstrokes

Examples of modern in a Sentence

Adjective Water pollution is a growing problem in the modern world. He's known as the father of modern medicine. The English that was spoken by William Shakespeare is very different from the modern English spoken today. She is learning Modern Greek. They live in one of the most modern cities in the world. modern methods of communication including e-mail and the Internet She cut her long hair for a modern look. He made his old-fashioned apartment look more modern by changing the color of the walls and buying new furniture. Their latest movie is a modern version of a classic children's story. She has modern ideas about dating and marriage. Noun the leaders of the American suffragists were originally regarded by many people as uppity moderns who should have stayed in their place See More
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
The sewage treatment plant is a modern and pleasant place (at least, as pleasant as sewage works get), with pale green buildings and neat rows of trees in the flower beds. Oliver Franklin-Wallis, WIRED, 30 Nov. 2023 Few figures in modern American history remained so relevant for so long as Mr. Kissinger. David E. Sanger, New York Times, 30 Nov. 2023 As industry leaders continue to shape the way brands navigate this landscape, fashion and lifestyle companies are better equipped than ever to ensure their message resonates with the modern digital consumer. Alison Bringé, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023 After a keynote speech from Princess Eugenie and de Boinville, guests were treated to a performance from Dreams, a modern slavery survivors’ choir that was formed during music therapy sessions provided by the Salvation Army. Mario Abad, Vogue, 30 Nov. 2023 Sachi Sachi's menu offers a modern interpretation of Mediterranean cuisine, paired with flavors and dishes from Japan and elsewhere in Asia. Jake Emen, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Nov. 2023 Most modern TVs have more than enough performance to be solid gaming monitors, especially ones with 120-Hz refresh rates. WIRED, 19 Nov. 2023 The goal was to stop it from attracting any modern supporters of Hitler and to sever associations with its painful history. Graham Bowley, New York Times, 19 Nov. 2023 Its oversized design not only ensures comfort but adds a trendy, modern touch to your outfit, embodying a perfect blend of style and ease. Matthew Parker, Rolling Stone, 19 Nov. 2023
Noun
If mid-century modern is your vibe, this royal blue velvet couch that’s 63 percent off would make a stunning addition to your living room. Alex Nelson, Peoplemag, 24 Nov. 2023 Welcome back to this blend of mid-century modern and a kitschy take on Americana. Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Nov. 2023 From Victorian to mid-century modern, there’s a palette for that Standing in front of an array of hundreds — perhaps thousands — of two- or three-inch paint chips at the hardware store can be intimidating. Kristen Hartke, Washington Post, 18 Oct. 2023 If Scandinavian modern is more your speed, keep your cabinets natural and paint the walls a subtle pastel. Hadley Mendelsohn, House Beautiful, 9 Aug. 2023 Here’s a handsome midcentury modern that just hit the market: Awkward interior remodels of a 1960 house at 6323 N.W. Manor Drive in Portland’s Forest Park neighborhood have been replaced by thoughtful renovations conceived by the owners and executed by Epic Construction. Jeastman, oregonlive, 13 Sep. 2023 Functional pieces, clean lines, and contrasting materials and fabrics are just a few of the features of mid-century modern. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 4 Aug. 2023 Keep in Mind The style skews towards mid-century modern, which may not suit every home’s decor style. Jamie Weissman, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 July 2023 The latest looks range from clean-line organic modern to the soft curved sofas and rattan pieces reminiscent of the 1970s. Jeastman, oregonlive, 25 July 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'modern.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Noun

Late Latin modernus, from Latin modo just now, from modus measure — more at mete

First Known Use

Adjective

1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of modern was in 1585

Dictionary Entries Near modern

Cite this Entry

“Modern.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modern. Accessed 5 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

modern

1 of 2 adjective
mod·​ern ˈmäd-ərn How to pronounce modern (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or characteristic of the present or the recent past
2
: of or relating to the period from about 1500 to the present
modern history
Modern English
modernity noun
modernness noun

modern

2 of 2 noun
: a person of modern times or ideas

More from Merriam-Webster on modern

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!