Search Dictionary
Definition of evolve

evolve

/ɪˈvɑːlv/
e · volve
Adverb:evolutionarily
•
Adjective:evolutionary
•
Past Simple:evolved
•
Past Participle:evolved
•
Present Participle:evolving
JUMP TO:

evolve Lexical Profile

evolve Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To develop gradually over time, typically from a simple to a more complex or advanced form.

Example

"The small startup quickly evolved into an international software company."

2

To undergo change over successive generations through natural selection and genetic variation (of living organisms or species).

Example

"Whales evolved from land-dwelling mammals millions of years ago."

3

To give off or emit gas, heat, or vapor during a chemical or physical process.

Example

"The chemical reaction evolves a significant amount of hydrogen gas."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for evolve
Antonyms
View all antonyms for evolve

• Rhymes for evolve

• Nearby Words

evolutionarily
evolutionary
evolutionist
evolve
evolvement
evolvulus
ew

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 17th century from Latin 'evolvere' ('to unroll, unfold, or disclose'), formed from 'ex-' ('out') and 'volvere' ('to roll'), originally referring to the unrolling of a parchment scroll.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Evolve. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/evolve
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.