fig

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈfig How to pronounce fig (audio)
Synonyms of fignext
1
a
: an oblong or pear-shaped syconium fruit of a tree (genus Ficus) of the mulberry family
b
: a tree bearing figs : a ficus tree
especially : a widely cultivated tree (F. carica) that produces edible figs see also strangler fig, weeping fig compare banyan, peepul, rubber plant
2
: a worthless trifle : the least bit
doesn't care a fig

Illustration of fig

Illustration of fig
  • fig 1

fig

2 of 3

noun (2)

: dress, array
… a young woman in dazzling royal full fig …—Mollie Panter-Downes

fig

3 of 3

abbreviation

figurative; figuratively; figure

Synonyms of fig

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Noun (1)

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Examples of fig in a Sentence

Noun (1) they choose to live modestly and don't seem to give a fig for the trappings of success
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.
Noun
Female flies bore into the fig to lay their eggs, which hatch out as larvae inside the fruit and eat the unripe insides before burrowing their way out. — Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026 Juicy fig and bright citrus open the composition, while brown sugar and licorice lend it a darker, warmer edge. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 31 July 2026 Most species in the area feed on fruits, mainly figs and berries, and many of those seeds are too large for smaller birds to disperse. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 28 July 2026 While not all fig varieties are rapid producers, the Brown Turkey fig (Ficus carica ‘Brown Turkey’) typically begins producing fruit one to two years after planting, with significant harvests starting in the third year. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for fig

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English fige, from Anglo-French, from Old Occitan figa, from Vulgar Latin *fica, from Latin ficus fig tree, fig

Noun (2)

fig, verb, to adorn

First Known Use

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

1835, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fig was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing fig

Rhymes for fig

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Browse Nearby Words

fifty-two
fig
figaro sauce
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Cite this Entry

“Fig.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fig. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fig

noun
ˈfig
: an oblong or pear-shaped fruit that grows on a tree related to the mulberries
also : a tree bearing figs

Medical Definition

fig

1 of 2 noun
ˈfig How to pronounce fig (audio)
1
: an oblong or pear-shaped fruit that is a syconium
especially : the edible fruit of a widely cultivated tree (Ficus carica) that has laxative qualities
2
: any of a genus (Ficus) of trees of the mulberry family that produce figs

fig

2 of 2 abbreviation
figure

More from Merriam-Webster on fig

Nglish: Translation of fig for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fig

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