saying

American  

[sey-ing] / ˈseɪ ɪŋ /

noun

1. something said, especially a proverb or apothegm.

   Synonyms:

   aphorism, saw, adage, maxim

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idioms

1. go without saying, to be completely self-evident; be understood.

   It goes without saying that you are welcome to visit us at any time.

saying British  

/ ˈseɪɪŋ /

noun

1. a maxim, adage, or proverb

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Etymology

Origin of saying

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English (gerund); see say ¹, -ing ¹

Explanation

A short, common, and easy-to-remember phrase is a saying. When class ends right before your turn to give a speech, you might use the saying, "Saved by the bell!" A saying is basically the same as an aphorism, an adage, or a proverb, usually offering some kind of wisdom. If you accidentally break your sister's favorite teacup, you might think of the saying "To err is human, to forgive divine," which means that everyone makes mistakes but only truly remarkable people are able to forgive these mistakes. You should probably also remind yourself of the saying, "Honesty is the best policy."

Example Sentences

Bitzer defended the strategy on the call, saying the company has to make up for three years of cost inflation it hasn’t passed onto customers.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

Gun rights advocates have praised the proposed change, saying it will enable citizens to more easily ship handguns for repairs, for sports shooting on vacation and when relocating to a new address.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

In his response, Apa opens by saying he wants to address "something going on for a long time".

From BBC • May 7, 2026

Jackson can be heard saying it “isn’t going to be scripted,” before hitting the ring, lifting Smith over his shoulder and slamming him to the mat.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

“What I’m saying is, anyone can take love,” Gingersnipes continued.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

Related Words

• saw
• statement