: having knowledge gained by close association, study, or experience
usually + in
an attorney well versed in corporate law [=an attorney who is knowledgeable about corporate law]At these points Dr Shepherd seemed very much the newcomer, not yet versed in the institution's codes …Helen Garner… an eminent naturalist, a gentleman most completely versed in the knowledge of rocks and minerals …Anthony TrollopeClive used to say that to be a successful moth hunter you need not be a specialist, but many specialists: a biologist, a botanist, a chemist, an ecologist, a meteorologist …—and well versed in Latin.Poppy Adams

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Peter Van Sant: What does that video tell you? Cherry Jemmott: The video tell me that Jasmine is well versed, have wide knowledge of bigger firearms. CBS News, 2 Oct. 2021 But people in Israel are very versed about her. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Feb. 2023 Tanner Wiseman became more versed in film and television production, their online videos eventually blossomed into the full-fledged series. Rory Appleton, The Indianapolis Star, 10 Dec. 2021 Many of those less versed in the science of lizard identification assumed the images came from Florida, while others expressed concern for the welfare of the animal - which staff said probably emerged from a forest nearby. Jennifer Hassan, Anchorage Daily News, 9 Apr. 2021 Many of those less versed in the science of lizard identification assumed the images came from Florida, while others expressed concern for the welfare of the animal — which staff said likely emerged from a forest nearby. Washington Post, 8 Apr. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'versed.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of versed was in 1563

Dictionary Entries Near versed

Cite this Entry

“Versed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/versed. Accessed 10 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

versed

adjective
ˈvərst
: having knowledge or skill as a result of experience or study
well versed in history

More from Merriam-Webster on versed

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