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

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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
  • One is called Palindrome meaning a word, phrase, number or sequence of symbols that reads the same backward as forward.
    — Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Tour of the Black Cat Tour of the Black Cat, translated from the French phrase Tournée du Chat Noir, is a famous image of a black cat from an old poster.
    — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of phrase
Noun
  • Jiao Jichao, deputy president of UBTECH Robotics, said one of its emotional-care humanoids can talk, make various facial expressions, rotate its neck and move its hands.
    — E. Eduardo Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • For these two new expressions, Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish and 2026 Discovery, the distillery dove even further into focusing on design by enlisting Louisville artist Margaret Archambault to create new packaging.
    — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of expression

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idiolects
idiom
idiomatic
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Cite this Entry

“Idiom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idiom. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of idiom for Spanish Speakers

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