Proverbs

[ prov-erbz ]

/ ˈprɒv ərbz /

Save This Word!

noun (used with a singular verb)

a book of the Bible, containing the sayings of sages. Abbreviation: Prov.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

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)”

Words nearby Proverbs

provenience, proventriculus, prove out, proverb, proverbial, Proverbs, provide, provided, providence, Providence, Divine, providence in the fall of a sparrow, There's a special

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

How to use Proverbs in a sentence

She hilariously explains Chinese proverbs when someone sneezes off-camera during interviews.
Tennis Star Li Na Says Goodbye to the Court…and Puts the Sport’s Rise in Asia in Question|Nicholas McCarvel|September 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
This makes proverbs not only a clever form of verbal art, but also a potent tool of verbal combat!
Beauty and Subversion in the Secret Poems of Afghan Women|Daniel Bosch|April 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
When you think of proverbs, you picture expressions of ancient wisdom.
13 Crazy, Dirty Modern Proverbs|Fred R. Shapiro|May 30, 2012|DAILY BEAST
He reminded the audience of the words of Proverbs: As iron sharpeneth iron, so a friend sharpens the mind of his friend.
The Hitchens Memorial Service|David Frum|April 21, 2012|DAILY BEAST

Scripture is real clear in Proverbs 15:1, ‘A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.’
The GOP Sounds Un-Christian in Condemning Obama’s Quran-Burning Apology|Kirsten Powers|February 28, 2012|DAILY BEAST
He will search out the hidden meanings of proverbs, and will be conversant in the secrets of parables.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version|Various
Both of these readings appeal to the Solomonic portrait of the virtuous woman, in Proverbs xxxi.
Solomon and Solomonic Literature|Moncure Daniel Conway
In early English literature there was at one time a tendency to ascribe to Solomon various proverbs not in the Bible.
Solomon and Solomonic Literature|Moncure Daniel Conway
He was wise enough to understand the proverbs, “Lʼunion fait la force,” and “A house divided against itself shall surely fall.”
The Philippine Islands|John Foreman
Each of these sticks is inscribed with a certain number, corresponding with a sentence in a book of proverbs.
A Woman's Journey Round the World|Ida Pfeiffer

British Dictionary definitions for Proverbs

Proverbs

/ (ˈprɒvɜːbz) /

noun

(functioning as singular) a book of the Old Testament consisting of the proverbs of various Israelite sages including Solomon

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