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.

Origin and Etymology of smile

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

First Known Use: 14th century

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.

15th Century

First Known Use of smile

15th century

SMILE Defined for English Language Learners

smile

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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.