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.
Bader has a saying for when something good happens — to the team, to him, to anyone. Matt Gelb, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025 With $15 and a short saying, Missourians can buy custom tags for their car or truck. Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025 There is a saying that each time memory is recalled and re-told the memory is replaced by the memory of the memory. Vineer Bhansali, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 If Coach Prime’s saying holds up, barbers are now an essential part of keeping sporting stars at the top of their game. Thomas Schlachter, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 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 14 Sep. 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!