unbidden

adjective

un·​bid·​den ˌən-ˈbi-dᵊn How to pronounce unbidden (audio)
variants or less commonly unbid
Synonyms of unbiddennext
: not bidden : unasked, uninvited
barged in unbidden
thoughts that come to mind unbidden

Examples of unbidden in a Sentence

thoughts that come to the mind unbidden she arrived, unbidden, to help out at the Red Cross center
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.
The chant rose up from the crowd — unlikely and unbidden — during a Carolina Panthers offensive series where most football fans know you’re supposed to be quiet so the players can hear quarterback Bryce Young’s snap count. Charlotte Observer, 2 Dec. 2025 Like runner’s high, or epiphany in prayer, the goonstate is not the point of the practice, but rather its occasional and unbidden reward. Daniel Kolitz, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025 Sometimes violets come up, unbidden. Literary Hub, 12 Sep. 2025 In fact, Ruth learns of their engagement only when Alan approaches her and speaks to her unbidden, something that does not happen between unmarried men and women on the Dorf. Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unbidden

Word History

Etymology

Middle English unbiden, unbeden, from Old English unbeden, from un- + beden, past participle of biddan to entreat — more at bid entry 1

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unbidden was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unbidden.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unbidden. Accessed 19 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

unbidden

adjective
un·​bid·​den ˌən-ˈbid-ᵊn How to pronounce unbidden (audio)
variants also unbid
: not bidden : unasked, uninvited
she barged in unbidden
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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