modifier

noun

mod·​i·​fi·​er ˈmä-də-ˌfī(-ə)r 

1

: one that modifies

2

: a word or phrase that makes specific the meaning of another word or phrase

3

: a gene that modifies the effect of another

Examples of modifier in a Sentence

In “a red hat,” the adjective “red” is a modifier describing the noun “hat.”

In “They were talking loudly,” the adverb “loudly” is a modifier of the verb “talking.”

Recent Examples on the Web

The evolutionary solution, for most temperate insects, is to use the light signal as the primary trigger and treat temperature as a secondary modifier. —John Drake, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

If that’s too much work, though, the options menu includes a ton of inventive modifiers to tweak the difficulty in easier, harder, or simply weirder ways. —ArsTechnica, 27 May 2026

Thanks to the randomizer and modifiers, there will be a lot of ways to do that. —Jay Peters, The Verge, 27 May 2026

These two operations are not equivalent and the use of modifiers recognized that difference. —Dr. John Guzzi, Hartford Courant, 27 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1682, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing modifier

• squinting modifier

Rhymes for modifier

• acquire
• attire
• bonfire
• campfire
• ceasefire
• conspire
• desire
• enquire
• entire
• greenbrier
• gunfire
• homebuyer

Kids Definition

modifier

noun

mod·​i·​fi·​er ˈmäd-ə-ˌfī(-ə)r 

: a word (as an adjective or adverb) or group of words (as a phrase or clause) used with another word or group of words to limit its meaning

Medical Definition

modifier

noun

mod·​i·​fi·​er ˈmäd-ə-ˌfī(-ə)r 

1

: one that modifies

2

: a gene that modifies the effect of another