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Definition of gerund

gerund

/ˈdʒɛr.ənd/
ger · und
Plural:gerunds
•
Adjective:gerundial
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gerund Lexical Profile

gerund Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A verb form that functions syntactically as a noun, such as the English form ending in '-ing' when used as the subject or object of a clause.

Example

"In the sentence 'Swimming is excellent exercise,' the word 'swimming' is a gerund serving as the subject."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for gerund

Word Nuance & Usage

In English grammar, a gerund is identical in form to a present participle (ending in '-ing'), but a gerund functions syntactically as a noun, whereas a present participle functions as a verb or an adjective.

• Rhymes for gerund

• Nearby Words

gerrhosaurid
gerrymander
gerrymandering
gerund
gerygone
gesneria
gestapo

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 16th century from Late Latin 'gerundium', derived from Latin 'gerundum' ('that which is to be carried out'), from the verb 'gerere' meaning 'to bear, carry on, or do'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Gerund. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/gerund
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