verbally

American  

[vur-buh-lee] / ˈvɜr bə li /

adverb

1. using spoken words rather than written words; orally.

   The committee verbally OK’d the park renewal plan.

2. by the use of words, rather than by physical means.

   Pain inflicted verbally can leave deep, invisible scars.

3. Grammar. with the function of a verb.

   When used verbally, the term ‘bird-dog’ is hyphenated.

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Other Word Forms

• nonverbally
  adverb

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Etymology

Origin of verbally

First recorded in 1570–70; verbal ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

verbally

The court heard that the boy has severe autism and cannot verbally communicate, and is unable to make decisions about his welfare.

From BBC ● Aug. 20, 2026

Now, Eatherly’s ilk gloats about verbally terrorizing American citizens going about their day-to-day lives on American streets and beams this content around the globe for money.

From Slate ● Aug. 20, 2026

By first and second grade, problems become more symbolic, are presented verbally and use numerals.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 30, 2026

The board’s decision followed internal reports to directors that Manifold bullied employees, was verbally abusive and had mishandled company information, according to people familiar with the matter.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 29, 2026

And on the subject of love, a woman was verbally expansive.

From "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez

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