idiom

noun

ˈi-dē-əm How to pronounce idiom (audio)
Definition of idiomnext
as in phrase
a sequence of words having a specific meaning the English idiom "how are you doing?" is our version of a greeting that in some other languages can be translated as "how are you going?"

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of idiom Rooms are comfortable and in the same white idiom, often with jet-black bathrooms; some are duplexes with high ceilings and large windows. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026 The film’s look is inspired by ink wash paintings and wood blocks, moving fluidly between different visual idioms. — Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 1 July 2026 Out of love for different sound systems, different writing systems, different grammars, different sets of concepts, different idioms, different ways of seeing the world. — Douglas Hofstadter, Time, 30 June 2026 The best tended to use puns, literalization — turning an idiom into reality — and pedantic humor to delight and torment children in equal measures. — Lindsey Bever, Washington Post, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for idiom
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idiom
  1. phrase
  2. expression
Noun
  • Almost exactly one month later, the phrase appeared as a central QAnon concept.
    — Matthew N. Hannah, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The phrase first surfaced in early 2024 and has grown in popularity since, according to Know Your Meme.
    — Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of phrase
Noun
  • Additionally, the minutes featured a notable new expression regarding the impact of artificial intelligence.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Unwilling to expose himself in this moment, Paul Baker juggles both of his competing personas, continuing the bro-y shouting but with a new panic in his voice and in Jack Innanen’s expressions.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of expression

Browse Nearby Words

idiolects
idiom
idiomatic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Idiom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idiom. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of dissonant

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
skateboard-dog-hat
Wordmaxxing Slang Quiz Give your vocabulary a glow up by getting sendy w...
See All