Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

permute

verb per·mute \ pər-ˈmyüt \

Definition of permute

permuted; permuting
transitive verb
: to change the order or arrangement of; especially : to arrange in all possible ways
—

permutable

play \pər-ˈmyü-tə-bəl\ adjective

Origin and Etymology of permute

Middle English, to exchange, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French permuter, from Latin permutare, from per- + mutare to change — more at mutable

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up permute? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games