1
: a characteristic manner or style of expression : diction
2
a
: a brief expression
especially
: catchphrase
b
: word
3
: a short musical thought typically two to four measures long closing with a cadence
4
: a word or group of words forming a syntactic constituent with a single grammatical function
an adverbial phrase
5
: a series of dance movements comprising a section of a pattern
phrased; phrasing
1
a
: to express in words or in appropriate or telling terms
b
: to designate by a descriptive word or phrase
2
: to divide into melodic phrases
Synonyms
Examples of phrase in a Sentence
Noun
Answer the questions in complete sentences, not phrases.
She used the phrase “I strongly believe” too many times in her speech.
Underline the key words or phrases in the paragraph.
To borrow a phrase from my mother, I spend too much time “watching the boob tube” and not enough time outside.
Verb
He phrased his version of the story in a way that made him look good.
The question was awkwardly phrased.
The singer phrased the music beautifully.
Recent Examples on the Web
Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 6 Feb. 2025
Next, this meditation involves softly reciting several traditional phrases and visualizing an audience who will receive loving-kindness as these words are spoken.
—Jeremy David Engels, The Conversation, 5 Feb. 2025
Lee Hamilton, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Hamas takes great pride in its support among Palestinians—currently at between a third and two-thirds, depending on the moment, the alternatives and how the question is phrased.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for phrase 
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Noun
That phrase became a mantra for getting through life with friends and looking forward to the weekend.
—Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 6 Feb. 2025
Next, this meditation involves softly reciting several traditional phrases and visualizing an audience who will receive loving-kindness as these words are spoken.
—Jeremy David Engels, The Conversation, 5 Feb. 2025
Verb
But a pair of recent studies makes clear that this is phrased wrong.
—Lee Hamilton, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Hamas takes great pride in its support among Palestinians—currently at between a third and two-thirds, depending on the moment, the alternatives and how the question is phrased.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for phrase
Dictionary Entries Near phrase
Cite this Entry
“Phrase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phrase. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
phrase
1 of 2 noun1
: a brief expression
especially
: one commonly used
2
: a small unit of a musical passage usually several measures long
3
: a group of two or more words that express a single idea but do not form a complete sentence
"out the door" in "they ran out the door" is a phrase
phrasal
adjective
ˈfrā-zəl
phrasally
adverb
-zə-lē
phrase
2 of 2 verb
phrased; phrasing
1
: to express in words
2
: to divide into musical phrases
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