comment

1 of 2

noun

com·​ment ˈkä-ˌment How to pronounce comment (audio)
1
2
: a note explaining, illustrating, or criticizing the meaning of a writing
Comments on the passage were printed in the margin.
3
a
: an observation or remark expressing an opinion or attitude
critical comments
constructive comments
b
: a judgment expressed indirectly
sees the film as a comment on modern values

comment

2 of 2

verb

commented; commenting; comments

transitive verb

: to make a comment on

intransitive verb

: to explain or interpret something by comment
commenting on recent developments
commented on the poem's symbolism

Examples of comment in a Sentence

Noun The most frequent comment was that the service was slow. I find your comments offensive. I'd like to begin with a few general comments. Comments or suggestions can be sent to our main Web address. We haven't gotten any comments on the new design. I'd appreciate your comments on this issue. We've received positive comments from many of our readers. She couldn't be reached for comment. The new edition includes the translator's comments. The radio program offers news and comment. Verb When asked about his involvement in the scandal, he refused to comment. She commented that the service seemed slow.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Leiweke was unavailable for further comment after the postponements and Roden’s resignation. Mark Sutherland, Variety, 29 Apr. 2024 Neither man’s lawyer returned requests for comment. Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for comment 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'comment.' 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

Noun and Verb

Middle English, from Late Latin commentum, from Latin, invention, from neuter of commentus, past participle of comminisci to invent, from com- + -minisci (akin to ment-, mens mind) — more at mind

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

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

Dictionary Entries Near comment

Cite this Entry

“Comment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comment. Accessed 3 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

comment

1 of 2 noun
com·​ment ˈkäm-ˌent How to pronounce comment (audio)
1
: an expression of opinion or attitude in speech or writing
2
: a remark that explains or criticizes

comment

2 of 2 verb
: to make a comment : remark

Legal Definition

comment

noun
com·​ment
1
often capitalized
a
: an essay analyzing, criticizing, or explaining a subject
a comment published in the Yale Law Review
b
: an explanatory remark appended to a section of text (as of enacted code)
2
: an expression of an opinion or attitude about something: as
a
: a remark to a jury by a judge or prosecutor about evidence

Note: A prosecutor may not remark to the jury that a defendant's failure to testify implies guilt, and a judge may not remark to the jury his or her opinion about what the evidence does or does not prove.

b
: a written expression of opinion or information solicited by an agency about a subject of its rulemaking see also informal rulemaking

More from Merriam-Webster on comment

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!