saying

noun

say·​ing ˈsā-iŋ How to pronounce saying (audio)
: something said
especially : adage

Examples of saying in a Sentence

there's an old saying that you should let sleeping dogs lie
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.
Remember the old saying: Red and yellow, kill a fellow; red and black, friend of Jack. Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 11 July 2025 As the saying goes, crisis represents both danger and opportunity. Preston Fore, Fortune, 10 July 2025 For now, another old saying comes to mind: Elections have consequences. Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2025 But empathetic listening is about creating space for the other person to experience being heard and understood by us, regardless of whether what their saying contains relevant or agreeable information for us. Heather V. MacArthur, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for saying

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Saying.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/saying. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

saying

noun
say·​ing
ˈsā-iŋ
: something frequently said : proverb

More from Merriam-Webster on saying

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!