verbally
Americanadverb
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using spoken words rather than written words; orally.
The committee verbally OK’d the park renewal plan.
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by the use of words, rather than by physical means.
Pain inflicted verbally can leave deep, invisible scars.
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Grammar. with the function of a verb.
When used verbally, the term ‘bird-dog’ is hyphenated.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of verbally
First recorded in 1570–70; verbal ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )
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.
Katy said the reaction happened despite her carefully explaining the risks to restaurant staff, both verbally and using translation cards.
From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026
Angelenos will chuckle at a scene in which two characters verbally commit to a meet-up both know won’t happen — or, as we say here, let’s do lunch.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026
In 2025, the US president went as far as visiting the Fed's under-renovation headquarters, where he verbally tussled with Powell as the two toured the site.
From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026
The SEC does not necessarily require disclosures to be made in person or delivered verbally.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 24, 2026
It felt wonderful to hear someone else verbally acknowledge my potential.
From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad
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.
