1
: a verbal noun in Latin that expresses generalized or uncompleted action
2
: any of several linguistic forms analogous to the Latin gerund in languages other than Latin
especially
: the English verbal noun ending in -ing that has the function of a substantive and at the same time shows the verbal features of tense, voice, and capacity to take adverbial qualifiers and to govern (see govern sense 4) objects
Cite this Entry
“Gerund.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gerund. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
gerund
noun
ger·und
ˈjer-ənd 
: an English noun formed from a verb by the addition of -ing that is capable of being modified by adverbs and taking an object
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share