proverb

American  

[prov-erb] / ˈprɒv ərb /

noun

proverbs plural

1. a short popular saying, usually of unknown and ancient origin, that expresses effectively some commonplace truth or useful thought; adage; saw.

   Synonyms:

   apothegm, aphorism

2. a wise saying or precept; a didactic sentence.

3. a person or thing that is commonly regarded as an embodiment or representation of some quality; byword.

4. Bible. a profound saying, maxim, or oracular utterance requiring interpretation.

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verb (used with object)

1. to utter in the form of a proverb.

2. to make (something) the subject of a proverb.

3. to make a byword of.

proverb British  

/ ˈprɒvɜːb /

noun

1. a short, memorable, and often highly condensed saying embodying, esp with bold imagery, some commonplace fact or experience

2. a person or thing exemplary in respect of a characteristic

   Antarctica is a proverb for extreme cold

3. ecclesiast a wise saying or admonition providing guidance

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verb

1. to utter or describe (something) in the form of a proverb

2. to make (something) a proverb

proverb Cultural  

1. A brief, memorable saying that expresses a truth or belief, such as “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” (See examples under “Proverbs.”)

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Synonym Usage

Proverb, maxim are terms for short, pithy sayings. A proverb is such a saying popularly known and repeated, usually expressing simply and concretely, though often metaphorically, a truth based on common sense or the practical experience of humankind: “A stitch in time saves nine.” A maxim is a brief statement of a general and practical truth, especially one that serves as a rule of conduct or a precept: “It is wise to risk no more than one can afford to lose.”

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• proverblike
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• proverbs
  plural

Etymology

Origin of proverb

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English proverbe, from Middle French, from Latin prōverbium “adage,” equivalent to prō- pro- ¹ + verb(um) word + -ium -ium

Explanation

If your Aunt Nellie is fond of sayings like "All's well that ends well," and "A penny saved is a penny earned," then she's a proverb expert. A proverb is a short, catchy phrase that expresses a true or useful idea. Most proverbs have been around long enough, and endlessly repeated, that they are commonly seen as telling an important truth. People tend to use proverbs to give advice, the way you might say "practice makes perfect" to encourage your little brother to keep trying when he's learning to ride a bike. The Latin root proverbium combines the prefix pro with verbium, which together mean a word that you put forward, or a common saying.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

proverb proverbs

I thought of the African proverb that says, “It takes a village to raise a child.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 21, 2026

But if you invest for the long term, recognize that the economic sectors poised to grow more than average are those that help people become, as the old proverb has it, healthy, wealthy and wise.

From MarketWatch ● Mar. 27, 2026

The president quoted a Chinese proverb: "Range far your eye over long distances".

From BBC ● Jan. 29, 2026

It may be recalling the old proverb: Fool me once, shame on you.

From Barron's ● Jan. 18, 2026

Finally Agravaine quoted a Gaelic proverb, which she had also taught them.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White

Quite a few of the latter — mostly delivered in the form of Chinese proverbs — are dropped by the author’s parents, Chinese immigrants who met in New York as graduate students.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 17, 2025

His lyrics are different from Chinese rappers who try to compete in the complexity of their rhymes, often using chengyu, four-character literary proverbs.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 5, 2024

In his speech littered with Silk Road references and colourful proverbs, Mr Xi continued to stress this point.

From BBC ● Oct. 18, 2023

Asked about what appeared to be a ban on coverage of him on state media, Prigozhin used a series of Russian proverbs to poke fun at those responsible: "What is forbidden is always sweeter."

From Reuters ● May 28, 2023

“I was a little worried when this boy didn’t know the proverbs, but it’s clear the ancestors have sent him. I vote he stays.”

From "The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm" by Nancy Farmer

Related Words

• adage
• aphorism
• axiom
• dictum
• epigram
• maxim
• witticism