-
Trending Now:
More Trending:
- implode transgender beleaguer scaramouch non sequitur
- ALL
Definition of verbal
1a : of, relating to, or consisting of words verbal instructionsb : of, relating to, or involving words rather than meaning or substance a consistency that is merely verbal and scholastic — B. N. Cardozoc : 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
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Examples of verbal in a Sentence
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 of verbal from the Web
-
Cameron gave us five signs that might point to verbal abuse in your relationship.
-
Jon Hale/The C-J LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky football landed a Fourth of July four-star football verbal commitment Tuesday.
-
The political campaign of 2016 was filled with verbal attacks and even calls for violence.
-
During his campaign rallies, reporters were often held in small pens and subject to verbal abuse by Trump supporters.
-
Hua and his colleagues at the labor group were preparing to publish a report alleging low pay, excessive overtime, crude verbal abuse and possible misuse of student labor at Huajian Group factories.
-
Meanwhile, fathers tend not to curtail verbal displays of affection with their daughters in the same way, nor do mothers with their sons or daughters.
-
Women for much of cinematic history have been relegated to verbal sparring, glorified cat fights, token sidekick skirmishes, or lone wolf villainy.
-
In the last year, firms in New York, Australia and Europe gave verbal, unsolicited proposals to the city to build, finance and then operate a new terminal.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'verbal'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
verbal
Definition of verbal
: a word that combines characteristics of a verb with those of a noun or adjective — compare gerund, infinitive, participle
Origin and Etymology of verbal
borrowed from New Latin verbālis, noun derivative of Late Latin verbālis 1verbal
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
VERBAL Defined for English Language Learners
verbal
playDefinition of verbal for English Language Learners
-
: relating to or consisting of words
-
: spoken rather than written
-
: relating to or formed from a verb
VERBAL Defined for Kids
verbal
playDefinition of verbal for Students
1 : of, relating to, or consisting of words verbal communication
2 : spoken rather than written verbal testimony
3 : of, relating to, or formed from a verb a verbal adjective
verbally
adverbWord Root of verbal
The Latin word verbum, meaning “word,” gives us the root verb. Words from the Latin verbum have something to do with words. A verb is a word that shows action. An adverb is a word that modifies a verb, adjective, or other adverb. A proverb, or short saying containing a wise thought, is made up of a few well-chosen words. Anything verbal is made up of spoken words.
Learn More about verbal
-
See words that rhyme with verbal Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for verbal Spanish Central: Translation of verbal Nglish: Translation of verbal for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of verbal for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up verbal? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!