verbal

1 of 2

adjective

ver·​bal ˈvər-bəl 

1

a

: of, relating to, or consisting of words

verbal instructions

b

: of, relating to, or involving words rather than meaning or substance

… a consistency that is merely verbal and scholastic.

—Benjamin N. Cardozo

c

: consisting of or using words only and not involving action

verbal abuse

2

: of, relating to, or formed from a verb

a verbal adjective

3

: spoken rather than written

a verbal contract

4

: verbatim, word-for-word

a verbal translation

5

: of or relating to facility in the use and comprehension of words

verbal aptitude

verbal

2 of 2

noun

: a word that combines characteristics of a verb with those of a noun or adjective compare gerund, infinitive, participle

Synonyms of verbal

Adjective

• linguistic
• communicative
• rhetorical

Examples of verbal in a Sentence

Adjective

He scored well on the verbal section of the test.

They had a verbal exchange.

a verbal agreement to finish the work

We gave only verbal instructions.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Serra then analogizes the spatial mediation stimulated by Shift to a verbal operation. — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

The analogy resonates, but Ming-Trent — who found confidence in the verbal and intellectual bravado of Shakespeare — seems to have embraced only half the equation that made those artists great. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 28 Sep. 2026

Garlin was accused by members of the cast and crew of inappropriate verbal conduct, unwanted physical contact, including hugging and touching, and behavior that some employees described as creating an uncomfortable work environment. — Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 25 Sep. 2026

This can only be achieved through in-person meetings, as human communication is the interactive process of sharing meaning, ideas and feelings through verbal and nonverbal symbols. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English verbale, borrowed from Late Latin verbālis, from Latin verbum "word, verb entry 1" + -ālis -al entry 1

Noun

borrowed from New Latin verbālis, noun derivative of Late Latin verbālis verbal entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1530, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing verbal

• procès-verbal
• verbal abuse
• verbal auxiliary
• verbal noun

Rhymes for verbal

• gerbil
• herbal
• nonverbal
• preverbal

Kids Definition

verbal

1 of 2 adjective

ver·​bal ˈvər-bəl 

1

: of, relating to, or consisting of words

verbal instructions

2

: of, relating to, or formed from a verb

a verbal adjective

3

: spoken rather than written

a verbal agreement

verbally

-bə-lē 

adverb

verbal

2 of 2 noun

: a word that combines characteristics of a verb with those of a noun or adjective