saying

noun

say·​ing ˈsā-iŋ How to pronounce saying (audio)
Synonyms of sayingnext
: something said
especially : adage

Examples of saying in a Sentence

there's an old saying that you should let sleeping dogs lie
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.
The problem is that the future, to paraphrase a common saying, is like a foreign country. Jake Angelo, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026 As the saying goes, April showers bring May flowers. Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 27 Apr. 2026 As Dillon Thieneman’s high school coach tells it, Thieneman’s father, Ken, had a saying while Dillon was growing up. Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026 As the saying goes, any publicity is good publicity. Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for saying

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of saying was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Saying.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/saying. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

saying

noun
say·​ing
ˈsā-iŋ
: something frequently said : proverb

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