proverb

1 of 3

noun (1)

prov·​erb ˈprä-ˌvərb 

1

: a brief popular epigram or maxim : adage

2

: byword sense 4

proverb

2 of 3

verb

proverbed; proverbing; proverbs

transitive verb

1

: to speak of proverbially

2

obsolete : to provide with a proverb

pro-verb

3 of 3

noun (2)

ˈprō-ˌvərb 

-ˈvərb

: a form of the verb do used to avoid repetition of a verb (such as do in "act as I do")

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• adage
• aphorism
• apothegm
• byword
• epigram
• maxim
• saw
• saying
• sententia
• word

Examples of proverb in a Sentence

Noun (1)

her grandfather has a proverb for every occasion

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The difficulty that arises is reminiscent of the old proverb about blind men groping different parts of an elephant. —Dan McLaughlin, National Review, 6 May 2025

Even the most nonsensical attempts at new proverbs resulted in a confident explanation from Google's AI Overview, created right there on the spot. —ArsTechnica, 29 Apr. 2025

Now Bluey has to experience her own farmer’s proverb. —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 26 Mar. 2025

So grateful for what the Lord has given me 🤍 proverbs 31:30. —Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 23 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English proverbe, from Anglo-French, from Latin proverbium, from pro- + verbum word — more at word

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1907, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

proverb

noun

prov·​erb

ˈpräv-ˌərb

: a brief popular saying expressing a wise thought