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
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
Bad spelling and grammar ensured that most users deleted the message, leaving only the most gullible users in the pipeline.
—
Kevin Korte, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Scores of news organizations use the AP Stylebook for guidance on spelling, grammar and how to refer to certain people and places, to help ensure such references are widely understood in the U.S. and globally.
—Ella Lee, The Hill, 8 Apr. 2025
Because Japanese grammar includes numerous indicators of the relationship between the addresser and the addressee, omniscient narration posed a particular problem for translators.
—Elif Batuman, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
Learning how to shoot him is about understanding his physical grammar.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grammar
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Kevin Korte, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Scores of news organizations use the AP Stylebook for guidance on spelling, grammar and how to refer to certain people and places, to help ensure such references are widely understood in the U.S. and globally.
—Ella Lee, The Hill, 8 Apr. 2025
Because Japanese grammar includes numerous indicators of the relationship between the addresser and the addressee, omniscient narration posed a particular problem for translators.
—Elif Batuman, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
Learning how to shoot him is about understanding his physical grammar.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grammar
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Cite this Entry
“Grammar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grammar. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
grammar
noun
gram·mar
ˈgram-ər 
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
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