present tense

noun

: the tense of a verb that expresses action or state in the present time and is used of what occurs or is true at the time of speaking and of what is habitual or characteristic or is always or necessarily true, that is sometimes used to refer to action in the past, and that is sometimes used for future events

Examples of present tense in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But on the other, the reality of lockdown is profoundly repetitive, trapping them all in an endless present tense. —Literary Hub, 1 May 2026

After a series of historical reissues, this curious release gives us Sonic Youth in something of present tense. —Stephen M. Deusner, Pitchfork, 27 Apr. 2026

Ernestine Newell switches between the past and present tense when speaking of her partner of 16 years, Freddie Webster. —Madeline King, Chicago Tribune, 18 Apr. 2026

Phoebe Tonkin’s recent interpretation of the French girl bang includes all of the essential elements with some present tense texture. —Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 11 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for present tense

• antisense
• commonsense
• effulgence
• frankincense
• ninepence
• nondefense
• penitence
• recommence
• recompence
• recompense
• cense
• dense

Kids Definition

present tense

noun

: a tense that expresses action or state in the present time and is used of what is true at the time of speaking or is always true