modifier

noun

mod·​i·​fi·​er ˈmä-də-ˌfī(-ə)r 

1

: one that modifies

2

: a word or phrase that makes specific the meaning of another word or phrase

3

: a gene that modifies the effect of another

Examples of modifier in a Sentence

In “a red hat,” the adjective “red” is a modifier describing the noun “hat.”

In “They were talking loudly,” the adverb “loudly” is a modifier of the verb “talking.”

Recent Examples on the Web

For the Elite computers, the modifiers go from 6 to 8, X, and then Ultra. —Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 20 May 2024

The acidic lift and textural crunch of a pickled vegetable can be a key component or an excellent modifier to many recipes. —Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 2 July 2024

Other medications include what are known as leukotriene modifiers, which block the action of inflammatory chemicals the immune system produces in the presence of allergens. —Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 25 June 2024

The computers will also have a modifier, ranging from 3 up to 5, 7, X, or Ultra to denote computers that are entry-level all the way up to advanced. —Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 20 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing modifier

• squinting modifier

Kids Definition

modifier

noun

mod·​i·​fi·​er ˈmäd-ə-ˌfī(-ə)r 

: a word (as an adjective or adverb) or group of words (as a phrase or clause) used with another word or group of words to limit its meaning

Medical Definition

modifier

noun

mod·​i·​fi·​er ˈmäd-ə-ˌfī(-ə)r 

1

: one that modifies

2

: a gene that modifies the effect of another