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grow

verb
\ ˈgrō How to pronounce grow (audio) \
grew\ ˈgrü How to pronounce grew (audio) \; grown\ ˈgrōn How to pronounce grown (audio) \; growing

Definition of grow

intransitive verb

1a : to spring up and develop to maturity
b : to be able to grow in some place or situation trees that grow in the tropics
c : to assume some relation through or as if through a process of natural growth ferns growing from the rocks
2a : to increase in size by assimilation of material into the living organism or by accretion of material in a nonbiological process (such as crystallization) The tree grew to an immense size.
b : increase, expand grows in wisdom
3 : to develop from a parent source the book grew out of a series of lectures
4a : to pass into a condition : become grew pale
b : to have an increasing influence habit grows on a person
c : to become increasingly acceptable or attractive didn't like it at first, but it grew on him

transitive verb

1a : to cause to grow grow wheat
b : to let grow on the body grew a beard
2 : to promote the development of start a business and grow it successfully— J. L. Deckter
Other Words from grow Synonyms Is grow a transitive verb? More Example Sentences Learn More about grow

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Other Words from grow

grower \ ˈgrō(-​ə)r How to pronounce grower (audio) \ noun
growingly \ ˈgrō-​iŋ-​lē How to pronounce growingly (audio) \ adverb

Is grow a transitive verb?

Some people feel queasy when encountering grow used transitively (as in “grow the economy”). While it may grate on the ears of many, grow has existed as a transitive verb for hundreds of years, initially in relation to such things as crops, then to facial hair and the like, and finally to a small variety of other things (such as a business or the economy). The transitive form of grow sounds peculiar to many people, and you may certainly avoid using it, but it is wrong to state, as some do, that it is always improper or that it does not exist.

Examples of grow in a Sentence

The city is growing rapidly. The list of chores to do this weekend keeps growing. She grew intellectually and emotionally in her first year at college. It's wonderful to see how she has grown as a person since going to college. It can be hard to watch our children change as they grow. He's still just a growing boy.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Out of that, the founders can take $50,000 each for a salary, and use the rest to grow the business. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Ex-Googler’s startup studio picks 2 San Diego scientists to lead first venture," 24 Aug. 2019 With more playing time available, the naturally-gifted talent finally has the opportunity to grow as a player and prove his worth to everyone watching. — SI.com, "Renato Sanches: 4 Things the Wonderkid Can Do to Resurrect His Stuttering Career," 24 Aug. 2019 Global pharmaceutical markets are expected to grow as much as 8 percent over the next year. — Caren Chesler, Popular Mechanics, "The Blood of the Crab," 23 Aug. 2019 At Northview Church, every aspect of church life is relationship-driven and firmly rooted in Scripture and the desire to grow spiritually. — Bailey Basham, Indianapolis Star, "Indiana church brings family-focused values to Binford," 23 Aug. 2019 But the list of accusers has continued to grow as Ohio State publicized the investigation, alumni began sharing stories, and lawyers for the initial plaintiffs advertised a push to hold the university accountable. — Kantele Franko, chicagotribune.com, "More than 300 accuse former Ohio State team doctor of sexual abuse, lawyers say," 23 Aug. 2019 This is a deeply satisfying process that has endless variations and means to grow personally. — courant.com, "Community News For The Vernon Edition," 23 Aug. 2019 Fiveable also is looking to grow its team with new employees who will start a second Fiveable House. — Sarah Hauer, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "This Milwaukee startup's staff lives and works together from one east side Milwaukee apartment," 23 Aug. 2019 Other information: The Caribou Lake fire near Homer is expected to grow more to the east and west because of wind in the forecast, Bushue said. — Annie Zak, Anchorage Daily News, "Southcentral Alaska wildfire roundup: Calmer winds aid firefighters, but evacuation notices remain in place," 23 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'grow.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of grow

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

History and Etymology for grow

Middle English, from Old English grōwan; akin to Old High German gruowan to grow

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More Definitions for grow

grow

verb
How to pronounce grow (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of grow

: to become larger : to increase in size, amount, etc.
: to become better or improved in some way : to become more developed, mature, etc.
: to become larger and change from being a child to being an adult as time passes : to pass from childhood to adulthood

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

grow

verb
\ ˈgrō How to pronounce grow (audio) \
grew\ ˈgrü \; grown\ ˈgrōn \; growing

Kids Definition of grow

1 : to spring up and develop to maturity
2

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