1
: a characteristic manner or style of expression : diction
2
a
: a brief expression
especially
: catchphrase
b
: word
3
: a short musical thought typically two to four measures long closing with a cadence
4
: a word or group of words forming a syntactic constituent with a single grammatical function
an adverbial phrase
5
: a series of dance movements comprising a section of a pattern
phrased; phrasing
1
a
: to express in words or in appropriate or telling terms
b
: to designate by a descriptive word or phrase
2
: to divide into melodic phrases
Examples of phrase in a Sentence
Noun
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.
Verb
He 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.
Recent Examples on the Web
Michael Cox, New York Times, 30 June 2025
To use a New York City phrase: he's instantly been koshered.
—Zohreen Shah, ABC News, 28 June 2025
Solcyré Burga, Time, 18 June 2025
However, the way this is phrased does not at all confirm that’s what’s coming.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for phrase
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show current usage.
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Noun
But as with two years ago, the problem is that old phrase: end product.
—Michael Cox, New York Times, 30 June 2025
To use a New York City phrase: he's instantly been koshered.
—Zohreen Shah, ABC News, 28 June 2025
Verb
Reinert concurs that additional legal challenges can be brought in the court system depending on the way other state laws are phrased or organized.
—Solcyré Burga, Time, 18 June 2025
However, the way this is phrased does not at all confirm that’s what’s coming.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for phrase
Cite this Entry
“Phrase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phrase. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
phrase
1 of 2 noun1
: a brief expression
especially
: one commonly used
2
: a small unit of a musical passage usually several measures long
3
: a group of two or more words that express a single idea but do not form a complete sentence
"out the door" in "they ran out the door" is a phrase
phrasal
adjective
ˈfrā-zəl
phrasally
adverb
-zə-lē
phrase
2 of 2 verb
phrased; phrasing
1
: to express in words
2
: to divide into musical phrases
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