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part of speech
noun phrase
: a traditional class of words (such as adjectives, adverbs, nouns, and verbs) distinguished according to the kind of idea denoted and the function performed in a sentence
Examples of part of speech in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Nature is the parts of speech, having learned them,
and having forgotten them.
—Diane Seuss, The Atlantic, 20 Mar. 2024
Spellers can ask what part of speech the word is, and about its definition, alternate pronunciations, and language of origin.
—Melissa Mohr, The Christian Science Monitor, 29 May 2023
But in Great Andamanese such descriptions take an extreme form, with morphemes, or meaningful sound segments, that designate different zones of the body getting attached to nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs—indeed, to every part of speech—to make diverse meanings.
—Anvita Abbi, Scientific American, 16 May 2023
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Word History
First Known Use
1517, in the meaning defined above
Articles Related to part of speech
Dictionary Entries Near part of speech
Cite this Entry
“Part of speech.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/part%20of%20speech. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
part of speech
: a class of words (as adjectives, adverbs, conjunctions, interjections, nouns, prepositions, pronouns, or verbs) identified according to the kinds of ideas they express and the way they work in a sentence
More from Merriam-Webster on part of speech
Nglish: Translation of part of speech for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about part of speech
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