get down

verb

got down; got down or gotten down; getting down; gets down

transitive verb

1
: to manage to swallow
2
: to cause to be physically, mentally, or emotionally exhausted : depress
the weather was getting her down
3
: to commit to writing : describe

intransitive verb

1
: to alight especially from a vehicle : descend
2
: to give one's attention or consideration
used with to
get down to business
3
a
: to perform music or dance effectively and infectiously
b
: to have a good time partying

Examples of get down in a Sentence

I was getting down from the seaplane when a gust of wind swept away my hat. it's really getting him down that there does not seem to be one woman who will date him
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Pacers missed their first eight shots and got down 10-2. Tim Reynolds, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025 Indiana missed its first eight shots and got down 10-2. Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025 In 2005, Wycombe Wanderers’ Nathan Tyson got down on all fours to head a ball over the line after the Wrexham goalkeeper had misjudged the bounce. Jack Lang, New York Times, 18 June 2025 In the photos, Jason can be seen getting down on one knee to pop the question in a garden, where the couple are surrounded by roses. Alexandra Hurtado, People.com, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for get down

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of get down was in 1647

Cite this Entry

“Get down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/get%20down. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on get down

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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