Definition of smile
smiled
;smiling
intransitive verb
1 : to have, produce, or exhibit a smile
2a : to look or regard with amusement or ridicule smiled at his own folly — Martin Gardnerb : to bestow approval feeling that Heaven smiled on his labors — Sheila Rowlandsc : to appear pleasant or agreeable
transitive verb
1 : to affect with or by smiling
2 : to express by a smile
smiler
nounIndulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Examples of smile in a Sentence
The photographer asked us to smile for the camera.
She smiled when she saw him.
Both parents smiled their approval.
Origin and Etymology of smile
Middle English; akin to Old English smerian to laugh, Sanskrit smayate he smiles
First Known Use: 14th century
smile
Definition of smile
1 : a facial expression in which the eyes brighten and the corners of the mouth curve slightly upward and which expresses especially amusement, pleasure, approval, or sometimes scorn
2 : a pleasant or encouraging appearance
Examples of smile in a Sentence
He greeted me with a big smile.
15th Century
First Known Use of smile
15th century
SMILE Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of smile for English Language Learners
-
: to make a smile : to make the corners of your mouth turn up in an expression that shows happiness, amusement, pleasure, affection, etc.
-
: to show or express (something, such as approval, encouragement, etc.) by a smile
-
: to say (something) with a smile
smile
Definition of smile for English Language Learners
-
: an expression on your face that makes the corners of your mouth turn up and that shows happiness, amusement, pleasure, affection, etc.
SMILE Defined for Kids
Definition of smile for Students
smiled
;smiling
1 : make the corners of the mouth turn up in an expression of amusement or pleasure
2 : to look with amusement or pleasure She smiled at the picture.
3 : to express by a smile Both parents smiled approval.
Definition of smile for Students
: an expression in which the corners of the mouth turn upward especially to show amusement or pleasure
Learn More about smile
-
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for smile Spanish Central: Translation of smile Nglish: Translation of smile for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of smile for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up smile? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!