saying

American  

[sey-ing] / ˈseɪ ɪŋ /

noun

1. something said, say, especially a proverb or apothegm.

   Synonyms:

   aphorism, saw, adage, maxim

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idioms

1. go without saying, to be completely self-evident; be understood.

   It goes without saying that you are welcome to visit us at any time.

saying British  

/ ˈseɪɪŋ /

noun

1. a maxim, adage, or proverb

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Etymology

Origin of saying

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English (gerund); say ¹, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Bill followed it up by saying he'd have a poor stadium and a great team because the people come to see the team.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

As recently as Thursday morning, Trump was defending Bondi, saying: "She is a wonderful person and she is doing a good job."

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

Morgan Stanley analysts laid out a dour future for the industry in a report Thursday, saying they expect loan defaults to increase, fundraising to be sluggish and returns to disappoint.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

Cole posted a video to the Chinese social media site Douyin saying he was in China and “excited” to be there.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

The night wind breezes by, saying siyo—this isn’t a place it usually sees you.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Related Words

• saw
• statement