What does verb mean?
A verb is a word that gives an action, occurrence, or state of being its grammatical name. Words such as “write,” “arrive,” “believe,” and “seem” function as verbs, while words such as “table” or “quick” ordinarily do not. In grammar, verbs may be classified as transitive, intransitive, auxiliary, linking, or modal, depending on their function and the construction in which they appear. The term is also sometimes used in everyday teaching as “action word,” although that description is simpler than the full grammatical category. As a rare verb, “verb” can mean to use a word as a verb or identify it as one, as in a discussion of the flexible role of words in sentences. Verbs are central to sentence structure: removing a clause’s verb generally removes the predicate needed to express an action, occurrence, or state. Understanding them therefore helps speakers describe meaning as well as recognize grammatical relationships.
A word or grammatical category that expresses an action, occurrence, or state of being.
"In “The children laughed,” “laughed” is the verb."
In school and general grammar, “action word” is a common simplified description. Specialized classifications distinguish transitive, intransitive, auxiliary, linking, and modal verbs.
To use a word as a verb or describe it as functioning as one.
"The critic verbed the noun in the revised sentence."
This use is rare and occurs chiefly in discussions of grammar, wordplay, or the changing functions of words.
The standard regular plural is formed by adding the suffix -s.
"The lesson introduces transitive and intransitive verbs."
Try removing the verb from a sentence and watch its structure collapse.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of verb
English borrowed the word in the Middle English period from Old French verb, which came from Latin verbum, meaning “word.” Latin verbum was also the source of related English words including verbal, verbatim, and verbiage. More distantly, Latin verbum is cognate with English word, both continuing an ancient Indo-European root associated with speech or language.
Related word forms
How verb is actually used
As a noun, “verb” is standard in general grammar and language education; “action word” is a common simplified description but does not cover every grammatical use. The verb use meaning “to use or name as a verb” is rare and chiefly occurs in discussions of language.
Easily confused with verb
A verb is a grammatical word or category expressing an action or state, whereas verbal is primarily an adjective meaning “relating to words” and can also mean an oral examination.
A verb belongs to the grammar of a language, while a verse is a line of poetry, a stanza, or a passage of a song.