grammar

noun

gram·​mar ˈgra-mər How to pronounce grammar (audio)
1
a
: the study of the classes of words, their inflections (see inflection sense 2), and their functions and relations in the sentence
b
: a study of what is to be preferred and what avoided in inflection (see inflection sense 2) and syntax (see syntax sense 1)
2
a
: the characteristic system of inflections (see inflection sense 2) and syntax of a language
b
: a system of rules that defines the grammatical structure of a language
3
a
: a grammar textbook
b
: speech or writing evaluated according to its conformity to grammatical rules
appalled at the bad grammar of college students
4
: the principles or rules of an art, science, or technique
a grammar of the theater
also : a set of such principles or rules
grammarian noun

Examples of grammar in a Sentence

English grammar can be hard to master. comparing English and Japanese grammar comparing the grammars of English and Japanese “Him and I went” is bad grammar. I know some German, but my grammar isn't very good.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The reasons for this have nothing to do with grammar. Rutvik Desai, The Conversation, 26 Feb. 2025 This interview has been lightly edited for grammar and clarity. Jia H. Jung, The Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2025 Questionnaires have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language. Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Orange County Register, 27 Jan. 2025 Since scammers may be non-native English speakers, poor grammar or unusual vernacular can also be a tip off of someone taking on a fake identity. Rachel Hale, USA TODAY, 12 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grammar

Word History

Etymology

Middle English gramere, from Anglo-French gramaire, modification of Latin grammatica, from Greek grammatikē, from feminine of grammatikos of letters, from grammat-, gramma — more at gram

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of grammar was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Grammar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grammar. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

grammar

noun
gram·​mar ˈgram-ər How to pronounce grammar (audio)
1
: the study of the classes of words, their inflections, and their functions and relations in a language
2
: the facts of language with which grammar deals
3
a
: a grammar textbook
b
: speech or writing evaluated according to its conformity to grammatical rules
"Him and I went" is bad grammar
Etymology

Middle English gramere, from early French gramaire (same meaning), from Latin grammatica (same meaning), derived from Greek gramma "letter, piece of writing," derived from graphein "to write" — related to graffito, -gram, -graph

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