verve

noun

1
a
: the spirit and enthusiasm animating artistic composition or performance : vivacity
2
archaic : special ability or talent

Examples of verve in a Sentence

She played with skill and verve.
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.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts cannot manage with the confidence and verve in handling his pitching staff last October; a rickety bullpen can make a skipper look skittish. Andy McCullough, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025 Don Coryell would’ve liked their verve. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Oct. 2025 Shot in black and white with cinematic verve, the campaign video spot, filmed in Paris, spotlights gift ideas from designers like Roger Vivier, Akris, Giorgio Armani and more, with each selection evoking the holiday season. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2025 Case’s work in the Canadian power-pop collective the New Pornographers may have more verve and thrust, but her solo work is emotionally richer, and harder to qualify. Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for verve

Word History

Etymology

French, from Middle French, caprice, from Old French, word, gossip, from Vulgar Latin *verva, from Latin verba, plural of verbum word — more at word

First Known Use

1697, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of verve was in 1697

Cite this Entry

“Verve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/verve. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

verve

noun
: lively enthusiasm

More from Merriam-Webster on verve

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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