proverb

1 of 3

noun (1)

prov·​erb ˈprä-ˌvərb How to pronounce proverb (audio)
1
: a brief popular epigram or maxim : adage
2

proverb

2 of 3

verb

proverbed; proverbing; proverbs

transitive verb

1
: to speak of proverbially
2
obsolete : to provide with a proverb

pro-verb

3 of 3

noun (2)

ˈprō-ˌvərb How to pronounce pro-verb (audio)
-ˈvərb
: a form of the verb do used to avoid repetition of a verb (such as do in "act as I do")

Examples of proverb in a Sentence

Noun (1) her grandfather has a proverb for every occasion
Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
To butcher a proverb, if Bielsa is for you, who in that corner of England could possibly be against you? Phil Hay, New York Times, 22 May 2025 This powerful African proverb reminds us that a community of caring individuals—be it relatives, friends, or community members—plays a vital role in raising a child. Ronny Maye, Essence, 10 May 2025 There is the beautiful proverb about the woman of strength (Proverbs 31:10-31), that is perhaps the most eloquent text on women in the Bible. Arkansas Online, 9 May 2025 The difficulty that arises is reminiscent of the old proverb about blind men groping different parts of an elephant. Dan McLaughlin, National Review, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for proverb

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English proverbe, from Anglo-French, from Latin proverbium, from pro- + verbum word — more at word

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1907, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of proverb was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Proverb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proverb. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

proverb

noun
prov·​erb
ˈpräv-ˌərb
: a brief popular saying expressing a wise thought

More from Merriam-Webster on proverb

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