function word

noun

: a word (such as a preposition, auxiliary verb, or conjunction) that expresses primarily a grammatical relationship

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of function word was in 1927

Dictionary Entries Near function word

Cite this Entry

“Function word.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/function%20word. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

function word

noun
: a word (as a preposition, helping verb, or conjunction) expressing primarily grammatical relationship
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!