phrase

Definitions

1. 1.A short, pithy expression; especially, one which is often employed; a peculiar or idiomatic turn of speech; as, to err is human.
2. 2.A mode or form of speech; the manner or style in which any one expreses himself; diction; expression. "Phrases of the hearth." Tennyson. Thou speak'st In better phrase and matter than thou didst. Shak.
3. 3.(Mus.) A short clause or portion of a period. Note: A composition consists first of sentences, or periods; these are subdivided into sections, and these into phrases. Phrase book, a book of idiomatic phrases. J. S. Blackie.
4. 4.To express in words, or in peculiar words; to call; to style. "These suns -- for so they phrase 'em." Shak.
5. 5.To use proper or fine phrases. [R.]
6. 6.(Mus.) To group notes into phrases; as, he phrases well. See Phrase, n., 4.

Source: Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).

Synonyms

Related questions

• What does "phrase" mean?
• What is another word for "phrase"?

Reverse-dictionary questions

Definition-first questions whose answer is phrase.

• What is a short, pithy expression; especially, one which is often employed; a peculiar or idiomatic turn of speech; as, to err is human called?
• What is to express in words, or in peculiar words; to call; to style. "These suns -- for so they phrase 'em." Shak called?
• What is to group notes into phrases; as, he phrases well. See Phrase, n., 4 called?