fig

1 of 3

noun (1)

1
a
: an oblong or pear-shaped syconium fruit of a tree (genus Ficus) of the mulberry family
b
: a tree bearing figs : a ficus tree
especially : a widely cultivated tree (F. carica) that produces edible figs see also strangler fig, weeping fig compare banyan, peepul, rubber plant
2
: a worthless trifle : the least bit
doesn't care a fig

Illustration of fig

Illustration of fig
  • fig 1

fig

2 of 3

noun (2)

: dress, array
a young woman in dazzling royal full figMollie Panter-Downes

fig

3 of 3

abbreviation

figurative; figuratively; figure

Examples of fig in a Sentence

Noun (1) they choose to live modestly and don't seem to give a fig for the trappings of success
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The nose features caramel, dark chocolate, toffee fudge, dates, fig jam, charred oak, and old leather. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024 The moisturizing agents at hand here are shea butter, honey, African rock fig, plus mafura and baobab oils which ensure that even the thirstiest strands are quenched. Iman Balagam, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2024 Easy, impressive, and absolutely delicious, this recipe is great for anyone who enjoys sweet and juicy figs. Mary Alice Russell, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2024 The white port wine influence is prominent on the palate, with flavors of ripe fig, golden raisins, and berries complemented by sweet toffee, caramel, and hints of spice from the rye. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fig 

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English fige, from Anglo-French, from Old Occitan figa, from Vulgar Latin *fica, from Latin ficus fig tree, fig

Noun (2)

fig, verb, to adorn

First Known Use

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

1835, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fig was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near fig

Cite this Entry

“Fig.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fig. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

fig

noun
ˈfig
: an oblong or pear-shaped fruit that grows on a tree related to the mulberries
also : a tree bearing figs

Medical Definition

fig

1 of 2 noun
1
: an oblong or pear-shaped fruit that is a syconium
especially : the edible fruit of a widely cultivated tree (Ficus carica) that has laxative qualities
2
: any of a genus (Ficus) of trees of the mulberry family that produce figs

fig

2 of 2 abbreviation
figure

More from Merriam-Webster on fig

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