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gerund

noun
ger·​und | \ ˈjer-ənd How to pronounce gerund (audio) , ˈje-rənd\

Definition of gerund

1 : a verbal noun in Latin that expresses generalized or uncompleted action
2 : any of several linguistic forms analogous to the Latin gerund in languages other than Latin especially : the English verbal noun ending in -ing that has the function of a substantive and at the same time shows the verbal features of tense, voice, and capacity to take adverbial qualifiers and to govern (see govern sense 4) objects

Examples of gerund in a Sentence

In the sentence “Learning can be fun,” “learning” is a gerund.

First Known Use of gerund

1513, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for gerund

Late Latin gerundium, from Latin gerundus, gerundive of gerere to bear, carry on

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More Definitions for gerund

gerund

noun
How to pronounce gerund (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of gerund

grammar : an English noun formed from a verb by adding -ing

See the full definition for gerund in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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More from Merriam-Webster on gerund

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with gerund

Spanish Central: Translation of gerund

Nglish: Translation of gerund for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of gerund for Arabic Speakers

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