gerund

[ jer-uhnd ]

noun

, Grammar.

1. (in certain languages, as Latin) a form regularly derived from a verb and functioning as a noun, having in Latin all case forms but the nominative, as Latin dicendī genitive, dicendō dative, ablative, etc., “saying.” gerundive ( def 1 ).
2. the English -ing form of a verb when functioning as a noun, as writing in Writing is easy.
3. a form similar to the Latin gerund in meaning or function.

gerund

/ dʒɪˈrʌndɪəl; ˈdʒɛrənd /

noun

1. a noun formed from a verb, denoting an action or state. In English, the gerund, like the present participle, is formed in -ing

   the living is easy

gerund

1. A form of a verb that ends in -ing and operates as a noun in a sentence: “ Thinking can be painful.”

Grammar Note

See me.

Derived Forms

• gerundial, adjective

Other Words From

• ge·run·di·al [j, uh, -, ruhn, -dee-, uh, l], adjective
• ge·run·di·al·ly adverb
• non·ge·run·di·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gerund¹

First recorded in 1505–15; from Late Latin gerundium, Latin gerundum “that which is to be carried on,” equivalent to ger(ere) “to bear, carry on” + -undum, variant of -endum, gerund suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of gerund¹

C16: from Late Latin gerundium, from Latin gerundum something to be carried on, from gerere to wage

Example Sentences

Well, if you have, how are you going to spot the gerund and the gerundive?

From Project Gutenberg

"Gerund, sir," said the Coffee-colored Angel with more conviction.

From Project Gutenberg

She could hardly wait to take off her coat when she reached her room in Mrs. Gerund's lodging-house.

From Project Gutenberg

Usually the phrase is used like an adjective; occasionally it is used like a noun (sometimes called the gerund phrase).

From Project Gutenberg

The prepositional and infinitive phrases may have all three uses; the participial phrase has two—adjective and noun (gerund).

From Project Gutenberg