saying

noun

say·​ing ˈsā-iŋ How to pronounce saying (audio)
Synonyms of sayingnext
: 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.
At a briefing Tuesday, the Pentagon displayed a graphic saying Iran had laid new mines in the Strait of Hormuz on April 23. Eleanor Watson, CBS News, 5 May 2026 Necessity is the mother of invention, as the saying goes, and the existential problems that war presents often act as a stimulus to innovation. David Szondy may 02, New Atlas, 2 May 2026 Grandma may be the queen of nonsensical sayings, but Dad is certainly the king of cheesy jokes. Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 2 May 2026 But, as the saying goes in college athletics, billable hours are undefeated. Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026 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 13 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

saying

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

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