Definition of phrase
- an adverbial phrase
Answer the questions in complete sentences, not phrases.
She used the phrase “I strongly believe” too many times in her speech.
Underline the key words or phrases in the paragraph.
To borrow a phrase from my mother, I spend too much time “watching the boob tube” and not enough time outside.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'phrase.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use: 1530
in the meaning defined at sense 1
See Words from the same yearHe phrased his version of the story in a way that made him look good.
The question was awkwardly phrased.
The singer phrased the music beautifully.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'phrase.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
1556
: a group of two or more words that express a single idea but do not usually form a complete sentence
: a brief expression that is commonly used
music : a short section of a longer piece of music
: to say (something) in a particular way
: to perform (a piece of music) with the notes grouped together in a particular way
See words that rhyme with phrase Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for phrase Spanish Central: Translation of phrase Nglish: Translation of phrase for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of phrase for Arabic speakers
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