Gerund Definition

jĕrənd

gerunds

noun

In Latin, a verbal noun in the singular of all cases but the nominative, used to indicate continuing or generalized action (Ex.: probandi in onus probandi, “the burden of proving”)

Webster's New World

In other languages, any of various forms analogous to this; specif., an English verbal noun ending in -ing that has all the uses of the noun but retains certain syntactic characteristics of the verb, such as the ability to take an object or an adverbial modifier (Ex.: playing in “Playing golf is his only exercise”)

Webster's New World

The definition of a gerund is a grammar term used to describe a verb that acts like a noun.

An example of a gerund is the word "skiing" in the sentence "Skiing is something I like to do," since "skiing" is the thing you like doing and not the action of the sentence.

YourDictionary

Other Word Forms of Gerund

Noun

Singular:

gerund

Plural:

gerunds

Origin of Gerund

Late Latin gerundium from alteration (modeled on participium participle) of Latin gerundum variant of gerendum neuter gerundive of gerere to carry on

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
From Latin gerundium, from gerundus (“which is to be carried out”), future passive participle (gerundive) of gerō (“carry, bear”).

From Wiktionary