def

[ def ]

/ dɛf /

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adverb Informal.

definitely: Going to Europe this summer? But def!

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of def

By shortening

Other definitions for def (2 of 3)

def²

[ def ]

/ dɛf /

adjective

Slang. excellent: That hip-hop record is def!

Origin of def

An Americanism dating back to 1980–85; of uncertain origin

Other definitions for def (3 of 3)

def.

abbreviation

defective.

defendant.

defense.

deferred.

defined.

definite.

definition.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use def in a sentence

Rico Finally Paid: its easy fast money money and im welling to spoil you to def .
The Sex-Trafficking Kings of Facebook|Michael Daly|May 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Downstairs, a band called Def Generation, composed mostly of Neville progeny, is killing the hour before the brothers come on.
The Stacks: The Neville Brothers Stake Their Claim as Bards of the Bayou|John Ed Bradley|April 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
What do Charlie Sheen, Marion Cotillard, and Mos Def have in common?
Celebrity Conspiracy Theorists: Courtney Love Finds Malaysian Flight 370|Amy Zimmerman|March 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
From The New Yorker to Mos Def, see the best quotes about the beast on Atlantic Avenue.
The 6 Best Quotes About the Barclays Center|William O’Connor|May 16, 2013|DAILY BEAST

He soon garnered a reputation as a stellar stand-up comic, making regular appearances on Def Comedy Jam.
Chris Tucker’s Journey From Tax Problems to ‘Silver Linings Playbook’|Marlow Stern|November 14, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Drowned to def in de hogshead, wid a brick tied erround him.
The Broken Sword|Dennison Worthington
One author of eminence pronounces defile in three syllables, def-i-le.
Dissertation on the English Language|Noah Webster, Jr.
From kina, hina, originated the Icelandic and Swedish pastpositive def.
The Dakotan Languages, and Their Relations to Other Languages|Andrew Woods Williamson
Plane surfaces or planes exist having the property laid down in Def.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 6|Various
It's jes' waitin' fur de bressin', an' 'pears like 'twould faint ter def ef ye didn't come.
Culm Rock|Glance Gaylord

British Dictionary definitions for def (1 of 2)

def

/ (dɛf) /

adjective

slang very good, esp of hip-hop

Word Origin for def

C20: perhaps from definitive

British Dictionary definitions for def (2 of 2)

def.

abbreviation for

definition

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012