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

In terms of driving verve, the Accord certainly has the edge over the Corolla and is a better family vehicle because of its superior cabin and cargo space. — Charles Singh, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026

Neighboring Eastern Caribbean music styles—Bouyon from Dominica, Jab Jab tunes from Grenada—are staples in Antigua, adding to the frenetic verve on the road. — Baz Dreisinger, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

All played with the kinds of intensity and verve that have become trademarks of young players associated with United. — Carl Anka, New York Times, 25 July 2026

That bite and raw intensity produce some of the album’s standout moments, transmuting jungle’s physicality across a wide emotional range with poetic verve and Nia’s woody, vulnerable, yet strident timbre. — Will Pritchard, Pitchfork, 20 July 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