saying

1 of 2

noun

say·​ing ˈsā-iŋ 

: something said

especially : adage

saying

2 of 2

present participle of say entry 1

Synonyms of saying

Noun

• proverb
• word
• saw
• motto

Examples of saying in a Sentence

Noun

there's an old saying that you should let sleeping dogs lie

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The saying comes from the Navy SEALs, a group Cole had become fascinated with through his years around San Diego. — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

As part of their annual Halloween decor drop, Anthropologie released Halloween bistro tile items that blend classic motifs and sayings with the Bistro Tile Collection’s Parisian style. — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Aug. 2026

Teachers of science, mathematics and English were expected to include Quranic verses, sayings and traditions attributed to the Prophet Muhammad or other religious messages in their lessons. — Fatima Faizi, NPR, 14 Aug. 2026

Needlepoint Pillows Needlepoint in trendy decor stores and gift shops today often feature a cheeky saying. — Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing saying

• go without saying
• if you don't mind my/me saying so
• I hear what you're saying
• quote as saying
• that's not saying much
• there's no saying

Rhymes for saying

• baying
• braying
• faying
• flaying
• fraying
• graying
• greying
• haying
• laying
• neighing
• paying
• playing

Kids Definition

saying

noun

say·​ing

ˈsā-iŋ

: something frequently said : proverb