Proverbs
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of Proverbs
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Old French proverbes, from Late Latin Prōverbia (Salomōnis, Solomōnis), translation of Hebrew mishlē (Shĕlōmōh) “Proverbs (of Solomon)”
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.
Proverbs 31:8 reminds us to stand up for those who can’t speak for themselves.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026
The milkshake cup features Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 23, 2025
The King James Bible is loaded with memorable analogies, and one of the most vivid is from Proverbs: “As a dog returneth to its vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.”
From New York Times • Aug. 17, 2023
The King will pray aloud using words inspired from the hymn I vow to thee my country and from the biblical books of Galatians and Proverbs.
From BBC • Apr. 29, 2023
“I would suggest Proverbs, 24th Chapter, 21st verse,” said the old minister, with a canny gleam in his eye which Kit understood as John began to read.
From "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" by Elizabeth George Speare
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.
