smile

play

verb \ˈsmī(-ə)l\

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

noun

smilingly

play \ˈsmī-liŋ-lē\ adverb

See smile defined for English-language learners

See smile defined for kids

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.

Recent Examples of smile from the Web

Miami fans have a few significant and genuine reasons to smile.

— jack dickey, SI.com, "The Marlins won't compete this year, but they might in 2018," 18 July 2017
There are shots of smiling contestants in bright florals, a parrot, a dancing lizard, and more tweets from fans delighted by the show’s return after what appears in the trailer to have been a minor hiccup.

— madeleine aggeler, The Cut, "The New Bachelor in Paradise Trailer Is Here, and It’s Bad," 17 July 2017
Stanton was there on behalf of the All-Star Smiles program, providing free dental care and checkups to local kids.

— andre c. fernandez, miamiherald, "Giancarlo Stanton representing Miami non-stop during All-Star break," 11 July 2017
Notably, in all of the photos shared by 2 Chainz, Kanye is smiling.

— amy mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, "Kim Kardashian and Kanye West Took Saint and North to a Family Barbecue," 3 July 2017
Clarke doesn’t seem bothered, though, smiling and chatting with the crew from atop the buck.

— TIME.com, "Game of Thrones: How They Make the World’s Most Popular Show," 30 June 2017
For such a disturbing play, there's an awful lot of smiling backstage. .

— travis m. andrews, kansascity, "Broadway’s bloody portrayal of ‘1984,’ starring Olivia Wilde, is making people faint," 28 June 2017
There were plenty of wide eyes and smiling faces Friday when the Clarendon Hills Park District hosted its second Touch-A-Truck event outside of its community center, 315 Chicago Ave.

— chuck fieldman, chicagotribune.com, "Kids enjoy Clarendon Hills Touch-A-Truck event," 26 June 2017
One 26-year-old plaintiff will never be able to smile due to nerve damage, his attorney says.

— tom krisher and marcy gordon, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Air bag maker Takata files for bankruptcy in Japan, U.S.," 25 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'smile.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of smile

Middle English; akin to Old English smerian to laugh, Sanskrit smayate he smiles

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

smile

noun

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

smileless

play \ˈsmī(-ə)l-ləs\ adjective

See smile defined for English-language learners

Examples of smile in a Sentence

He greeted me with a big smile.

Recent Examples of smile from the Web

Dalesha rounded the corner carrying her blue graduation gown on a hanger, a huge smile on her face.

— annie sweeney, chicagotribune.com, "Deaf sexual assault survivor graduates with help from Cook County detectives," 27 June 2017
Favorite style tip: Feel comfortable in your own skin and smile!

— kirby adams, The Courier-Journal, "Sacred Heart grad: Nothing is more fashionable than 'fit and healthy'," 22 June 2017
Netanyahu warmly greeted Kushner with a smile and hug.

— josef federman, The Seattle Times, "Kushner kicks off Mideast peace push with first solo visit," 21 June 2017
Three children, who look to be under the age of 6, give a small smile as another member of the family records video of their 15-minute border crossing on a...

— alexandra wolfe, WSJ, "Sebastian Junger Focuses on Syria," 16 June 2017
Competing in bocce, swimming, track and volleyball, Porter County boasted 106 athletes at state games, and the medals and ribbons were all attached to smiles.

— lorrie woycik, Post-Tribune, "Porter County Special Olympics athletes excel at state," 16 June 2017
In his missing person picture, Yasi has a slight smile and is wearing his baseball cap backward.

— karla adam, Washington Post, "London fire toll reaches 30 dead amid warnings the count could still rise," 16 June 2017
Tooling into or out of the parking lot off Murphy Canyon Road the past several years, flashing his megawatt smile, Gates looked like a California movie star, right down to the yellow diamonds in each ear.

— tom krasovic, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Get Antonio Gates a crescent wrench, please," 15 June 2017
Nana, who has a youthful face and open smile, leaned into his words.

— amy yurkanin, AL.com, "Democrat Charles Nana to 'demand our leaders tell the truth' in senate campaign," 14 June 2017

First Known Use of smile

15th century

SMILE Defined for English Language Learners

smile

play

verb

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

noun

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

smile

play

verb \ˈsmīl\

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.