verbally

American  

[vur-buh-lee] / ˈvɜr bə li /

adverb

1. using spoken words rather than written words; orally.

   The committee verbally OK’d the park renewal plan.

2. by the use of words, rather than by physical means.

   Pain inflicted verbally can leave deep, invisible scars.

3. Grammar. with the function of a verb.

   When used verbally, the term ‘bird-dog’ is hyphenated.

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Other Word Forms

• nonverbally adverb

Etymology

Origin of verbally

First recorded in 1570–70; verbal ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )

Example Sentences

Angelenos will chuckle at a scene in which two characters verbally commit to a meet-up both know won’t happen — or, as we say here, let’s do lunch.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

In 2025, the US president went as far as visiting the Fed's under-renovation headquarters, where he verbally tussled with Powell as the two toured the site.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

The SEC does not necessarily require disclosures to be made in person or delivered verbally.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 24, 2026

Often, she has to listen to the most outlandish conspiracy theories and, on one occasion, she recalls being verbally abused.

From BBC • Feb. 21, 2026

We were directed to read a book a week and write a book report to be delivered to her verbally each Friday.

From "March Forward, Girl" by Melba Pattillo Beals