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?"
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of idiom
Once the cast gained confidence — whether in the idiom, or in improv itself — the next challenge was, ironically, holding back.
—
Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2025
This eight-week class, with lessons on English grammar, pronunciation and idioms, is for adult (18 years and older) intermediate and advanced English learners who can have a conversation in English but want to improve their pronunciation and comprehension.
—Jake Richardson, Mercury News, 28 Apr. 2025
Unleashing Wood has ushered in an exciting new phase for a widely influential band that has defined a state-of-the-art jazz idiom deeply engaged with other genres.
—Andrew Gilbert, Mercury News, 23 May 2025
Scientists analyzed recordings of three groups of chimpanzees living in the Ivory Coast and found that chimps can combine their hoots, grunts and calls in a similar way to how humans use idioms or change the order of words to build new phrases.
—Evan Bush, NBC news, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for idiom
Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2025
This eight-week class, with lessons on English grammar, pronunciation and idioms, is for adult (18 years and older) intermediate and advanced English learners who can have a conversation in English but want to improve their pronunciation and comprehension.
—Jake Richardson, Mercury News, 28 Apr. 2025
Unleashing Wood has ushered in an exciting new phase for a widely influential band that has defined a state-of-the-art jazz idiom deeply engaged with other genres.
—Andrew Gilbert, Mercury News, 23 May 2025
Scientists analyzed recordings of three groups of chimpanzees living in the Ivory Coast and found that chimps can combine their hoots, grunts and calls in a similar way to how humans use idioms or change the order of words to build new phrases.
—Evan Bush, NBC news, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for idiom
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idiom
phrase
Noun
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Above this grid are seven phrases, each giving you a clue to seven words.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
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Among those surveyed who view pro-Palestinian protests favorably, 54% still believed the phrases increased the risk of violence.—
Grace Gilson,
Sun Sentinel,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Idiom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idiom. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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