plural values
1
: the amount of money that something is worth : the price or cost of something
The company's stock continues to decline/decrease/drop in value.
Real estate prices have doubled in value over the last decade.
The difference in value between the two currencies is not significant.
You may exchange the item for something of equal value.
We sold the home for less than its full value.
The reproductions of the paintings have little or no value. [=they are worth little or no money]
These antiques will acquire more value [=they will become more valuable/expensive] over time.
an increase in the value of the dollar
The home has a value of $1,000,000.
Property values tend to rise as interest rates fall.
2
: something that can be bought for a low or fair price
The store advertises great values.
They recommend the car as a good value (for the/your money).
(Brit) The new store offers value for money. [=you can buy a lot with your money at the store]
3
a
: usefulness or importance
No one can deny the value of a good education.
The broccoli adds color and nutritional value to the dish.
The program's educational value was questioned.
a document of great historical value
A lot of teenagers place a high value on being popular. [=they believe that being popular is very important]
b
: importance or interest of a particular kind
Few sports have greater entertainment value [=few sports are more entertaining] than figure skating.
He uses offensive language for (its) shock value. [=in order to shock people]
The picture has sentimental value for me. [=it reminds me of happy times in the past]
4
: a strongly held belief about what is valuable, important, or acceptable
—usually plural
cultural/moral/religious values
traditional/conservative/liberal values
Her values were very different from mine.
America was founded on the values of freedom and justice for all.
5
mathematics
: a mathematical quantity that is represented by a letter
If x + 3 = 5, what is the value of x?
values; valued; valuing
1
: to make a judgment about the amount of money that something is worth
—usually + at
The agent/appraiser valued the estate at $3.4 million.
—usually used as (be) valuedThe necklace was valued at $250.
2
: to think that (someone or something) is important or useful
She values the time she spends with her family.
He values her advice/opinions.
The items/objects are highly valued by collectors.
The herbs are valued for their medicinal properties.
Cite this Entry
“Value.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/value. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
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