versify

verb

ver·​si·​fy ˈvər-sə-ˌfī How to pronounce versify (audio)
versified; versifying

intransitive verb

: to compose verses

transitive verb

1
: to relate or describe in verse
2
: to turn into verse

Examples of versify in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The testimony to his own desirability comes via Hardwick’s versified letters or telephone talk: . . . Thomas Mallon, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2019

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

Word History

Etymology

Middle English versifien, borrowed from Anglo-French versifier, borrowed from Latin versificāre, from versus verse entry 1 + ificāre -ify

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

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

Dictionary Entries Near versify

Cite this Entry

“Versify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/versify. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

versify

verb
ver·​si·​fy ˈvər-sə-ˌfī How to pronounce versify (audio)
versified; versifying
: to write or turn into verse
versifier
-ˌfī(-ə)r
noun
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