vein

1 of 2

noun

1
: blood vessel
especially : any of the tubular branching vessels that carry blood from the capillaries toward the heart
2
a
: any of the vascular bundles forming the framework of a leaf
b
: any of the thickened cuticular ribs that serve to stiffen the wings of an insect
3
a
: a narrow water channel in rock or earth or in ice
b(1)
(2)
: a bed of useful mineral matter
4
: something suggesting veins (as in reticulation)
specifically : a wavy variegation (as in marble)
5
a
: a distinctive mode of expression : style
stories in a romantic vein
b
: a distinctive element or quality : strain
introduced a welcome vein of humor
c
: a line of thought or action
6
a
: a special aptitude
inherited an artistic vein
b
: a usually transitory and casually attained mood
c
: top form
thou troublest me; I am not in the veinWilliam Shakespeare
veinal adjective

vein

2 of 2

verb

veined; veining; veins

transitive verb

: to pattern with or as if with veins

Examples of vein in a Sentence

Noun the author goes on in that sarcastic vein for pages
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.
Noun
The riskier side of X operates in the vein of Backpage.com, where creators use the app to promote their work, engage with fans, and find gigs. Jason Parham, WIRED, 9 Dec. 2024 The choice suggests some continuity between seasons in the vein of The White Lotus. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 6 Dec. 2024
Verb
Summary Spider veins—small, twisted veins on the surface of the skin—do not pose health risks and are primarily a cosmetic concern. Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 2 Dec. 2024 Thoughtful use of natural materials throughout the suite, including rich woods (most notably the Sycamore used for radial marquetry panels), glass, travertine and richly veined Calacatta viola marble. Rima Suqi, Forbes, 18 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vein 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English veyne, borrowed from Anglo-French veine, going back to Latin vēna "blood vessel, channel," of obscure origin

Verb

verbal derivative of vein entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Verb

1502, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vein was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near vein

Cite this Entry

“Vein.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vein. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

vein

noun
ˈvān
1
: a long narrow opening in rock filled with mineral matter
a vein of gold
2
a
: one of the blood vessels that carry blood from the capillaries back to the heart
b
: one of the vascular bundles forming the framework of a leaf
c
: one of the thickened ribs that stiffen the wings of an insect
3
: a wavy band or streak (as of a different color or texture)
a marble with greenish veins
4
: a style of expression
stories in a romantic vein

Medical Definition

vein

noun
: any of the tubular branching vessels that carry blood from the capillaries toward the heart and have thinner walls than the arteries and often valves at intervals to prevent reflux of the blood which flows in a steady stream and is in most cases dark-colored due to the presence of reduced hemoglobin

More from Merriam-Webster on vein

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!