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
Synonyms
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
Rewrite changes the sentence's tone from casual to professional, for example, while Proofread fixes typos and improves grammar.
—
Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 28 Oct. 2024
As a cast member, Moreno participated in sketches to help elementary school students develop their reading and grammar skills.
—Brendan Le, People.com, 28 Oct. 2024
Aside from grammar, sentence structure, and syntax, does anyone care about style?
—Eli Amdur, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024
Open the files on your iPad, run them through Microsoft Editor for a spelling and grammar check, and use Outlook to send them to your client.
—Stackcommerce Team (sponsored), PCMAG, 18 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for grammar 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 28 Oct. 2024
As a cast member, Moreno participated in sketches to help elementary school students develop their reading and grammar skills.
—Brendan Le, People.com, 28 Oct. 2024
Aside from grammar, sentence structure, and syntax, does anyone care about style?
—Eli Amdur, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024
Open the files on your iPad, run them through Microsoft Editor for a spelling and grammar check, and use Outlook to send them to your client.
—Stackcommerce Team (sponsored), PCMAG, 18 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for grammar
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The Serial Comma Explained
Why don't they call it the Merriam-Webster comma?
Dictionary Entries Near grammar
Cite this Entry
“Grammar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grammar. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
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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