saying

noun

say·​ing ˈsā-iŋ How to pronounce saying (audio)
: something said
especially : adage

Examples of saying in a Sentence

there's an old saying that you should let sleeping dogs lie
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Amish are part of the wider Anabaptist movement, which puts heavy emphasis on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, containing some of his most radical and counter-cultural sayings — to love enemies, live simply, bless persecutors, turn the other cheek and to endure sufferings joyfully. Dave Smith, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2025 But as the saying goes, the best ability is availability, and Ertz has proven to be one of the most frequently available and productive tight ends in the history of the sport. Reice Shipley, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025 As the saying goes, the best defense is a good offense. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 27 Oct. 2025 As the saying goes, politics makes strange bedfellows. Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 26 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for saying

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Saying.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/saying. Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

saying

noun
say·​ing
ˈsā-iŋ
: something frequently said : proverb

More from Merriam-Webster on saying

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