Phrase definition

frāz
phrased phrases phrasing
See word origin
Frequency:
(music) A short passage or segment, often consisting of four measures or forming part of a larger unit.
noun
14
8
To divide (a passage) into phrases.
verb
10
6
Phrase is defined as to express in words.

An example of phrase is to compose an apology.

verb
3
1
To express orally or in writing.

The speaker phrased several opinions.

verb
8
7
The definition of a phrase is two or more words that express an idea and are a part of a sentence.

An example of phrase is "went to the store."

noun
2
1
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(grammar) A word or group of words that functions as a single unit in the syntax of a sentence, usually consisting of a head, or central word, and elaborating words.
noun
1
0
(music) A small section of music in a larger piece.
noun
1
0
(music) To divide into melodic phrases.
verb
1
0
To express (an action, thought or idea) by means of words.
verb
1
0
To express in a certain way, as by selecting particular words to make a phrase.
verb
3
3
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A brief, apt, and cogent expression.

The phrase “out of the frying pan and into the fire.”

noun
1
1
A short written or spoken expression.
noun
1
1
A series of dance movements forming a unit in a choreographic pattern.
noun
0
0
A characteristic way or mode of expression.

An apt turn of phrase.

noun
0
0
To make or express phrases.
verb
0
0
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(music) To perform a passage with the correct phrasing.
verb
0
0
(intransitive, music) To perform a passage with the correct phrasing.
verb
0
0
A sequence of words that have meaning, especially when forming part of a sentence.
noun
2
3
To combine (notes) in a phrase.
verb
0
1
(music) To mark off or divide (notes) into phrases.
verb
2
4
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A manner or style of speech or expression; phraseology.
noun
1
3
A short, colorful or forceful expression.
noun
1
3
A connected series of movements in a formal dance.
noun
1
3
(gram.) A sequence of two or more words conveying a single thought or forming a distinct part of a sentence but not containing a subject and predicate.
noun
1
3
(linguis.) A group of words that functions as a syntactic unit.
noun
1
3
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(music) A short, distinct part or passage, usually of two, four, or eight measures.
noun
1
3

Other Word Forms

Noun

Singular:
phrase
Plural:
phrases

Origin of phrase

  • Latin phrasis diction from Greek speech, diction, phrase from phrazein to point out, show gwhren- in Indo-European roots

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • From Late Latin phrasis (“diction”), from Ancient Greek φράσις (phrasis, “manner of expression”), from φράζω (phrazō, “I tell, express”).

    From Wiktionary

Phrase Sentence Examples

  • She repeated the phrase over and over, searching for another meaning.

  • He hated that phrase as much as the cold shoulder.

  • For more examples see noun phrase, adjectival phrase and adverbial phrase.

  • Michaud had only waited for this to bring out the phrase he had prepared.

  • How many times have you heard the phrase "resting the voice"?

More sentences

Related articles

Also Mentioned In

Words near phrase in the Dictionary