1
a
: the study of the classes of words, their inflections (see inflection sense 2), and their functions and relations in the sentence
b
: a study of what is to be preferred and what avoided in inflection (see inflection sense 2) and syntax (see syntax sense 1)
2
a
: the characteristic system of inflections (see inflection sense 2) and syntax of a language
b
: a system of rules that defines the grammatical structure of a language
3
a
: a grammar textbook
b
: speech or writing evaluated according to its conformity to grammatical rules
appalled at the bad grammar of college students
4
: the principles or rules of an art, science, or technique
a grammar of the theater
also
: a set of such principles or rules
Examples of grammar in a Sentence
English grammar can be hard to master.
comparing English and Japanese grammar
comparing the grammars of English and Japanese
“Him and I went” is bad grammar.
I know some German, but my grammar isn't very good.
Recent Examples on the Web
This includes practical life skills, including personal care and courtesy; sensorial development to help the child make judgments based on size, shape, color, temperature, smell, and sound; and the advancement of language and vocabulary from phonics to more complex grammar.
—
Jose Bolanos, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025
Unlike the grammar rules angle, the generative AI LLM approach is simply associating data in the form of text and words with other such data.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
The app is jam-packed with other learning tools, too, like hands-free audio lessons, and quick grammar guides that explain how to conjugate verbs and use adjectives.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 29 Mar. 2025
News organizations across the industry use the AP Stylebook for spelling, grammar and guidelines on how to refer to certain people and places in aim of making such references widely understood both in the U.S. and worldwide.
—Ella Lee, The Hill, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grammar
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Jose Bolanos, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025
Unlike the grammar rules angle, the generative AI LLM approach is simply associating data in the form of text and words with other such data.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
The app is jam-packed with other learning tools, too, like hands-free audio lessons, and quick grammar guides that explain how to conjugate verbs and use adjectives.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 29 Mar. 2025
News organizations across the industry use the AP Stylebook for spelling, grammar and guidelines on how to refer to certain people and places in aim of making such references widely understood both in the U.S. and worldwide.
—Ella Lee, The Hill, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grammar
Video
The Serial Comma Explained
Why don't they call it the Merriam-Webster comma?
Cite this Entry
“Grammar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grammar. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
grammar
noun
gram·mar
ˈgram-ər 
1
: the study of the classes of words, their inflections, and their functions and relations in a language
2
: the facts of language with which grammar deals
3
a
: a grammar textbook
b
: speech or writing evaluated according to its conformity to grammatical rules
"Him and I went" is bad grammar
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