said
1 Americanverb
adjective
noun
adjective
verb
noun
Etymology
Origin of said
First recorded in 1300–50, for the adjective
Explanation
The word said is the past tense of the verb "say," but it can also be used as an adjective to refer to something that has been previously introduced. Although said is most commonly used as the past tense of the verb say, its use as an adjective comes mainly in legal and business writing. In that vein, the word offers a reference to something that was mentioned earlier. The judge may tell you that if you can't provide said evidence, your case will be dismissed. That evidence was mentioned before. If you don't know what the said example is, you must not have been paying attention.
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.
“I do not stand here with hatred for a desire for revenge. I hold no grudges against Mr. Jackson,” Smith said in court.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 2, 2026
Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass were among the many who condemned the court’s decision, he said.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 2, 2026
The content creator said her daughter underwent numerous X-rays, ultrasounds and a biopsy before the hospital team determined the cancer diagnosis.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 2, 2026
The Constitution wrote this promise into law, Roberts said, and the president may not change it.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 2, 2026
"Sancho, my brother, adventure is before us!" he said.
From "Adventures of Don Quixote" by Argentina Palacios
![]()
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.