verbally
Americanadverb
-
using spoken words rather than written words; orally.
The committee verbally OK’d the park renewal plan.
-
by the use of words, rather than by physical means.
Pain inflicted verbally can leave deep, invisible scars.
-
Grammar. with the function of a verb.
When used verbally, the term ‘bird-dog’ is hyphenated.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of verbally
First recorded in 1570–70; verbal ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It wasn’t the first time I’d hoped to communicate aesthetically what I couldn’t communicate verbally.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 13, 2026
He said he was "the most physically and verbally attacked public figure or politician of modern times" and that the "unconditional" gift would help cover his personal security costs.
From BBC ● Jul. 7, 2026
By first and second grade, problems become more symbolic, are presented verbally and use numerals.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 30, 2026
The Wall Street Journal reported allegations of Manifold being verbally abusive and mishandling company information, which he disputes.
From Barron's ● May 27, 2026
When I asked Eric about this, he verbally shrugged.
From "Geeks: How Two Lost Boys Rode the Internet Out of Idaho" by Jon Katz
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
