verve

noun

ˈvərv 

1

a

: the spirit and enthusiasm animating artistic composition or performance : vivacity

b

: energy, vitality

2

archaic : special ability or talent

Synonyms of verve

• vigor
• energy

Examples of verve in a Sentence

She played with skill and verve.

Recent Examples on the Web

After seeing a few buckets go in, Jones appeared to have even more verve as a defender. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 10 July 2026

Jamie Squire / Getty Images Where was the verve from the previous matches? — David Hickey, NBC news, 7 July 2026

Corum, which was relatively young at the time, having been founded in 1955, was looking to continue its creative verve. — Roberta Naas, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026

Guy sang with typical verve and gusto. — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2026

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

Rhymes for verve

• curve
• mirv
• nerve
• serve
• swerve
• conserve
• deserve
• manoeuvre
• observe
• preserve
• reserve
• subserve

Kids Definition

verve

noun

ˈvərv 

: lively enthusiasm