gerund

Noun

WordNet 3.0

Noun (1)

  1. a noun formed from a verb (such as the `-ing' form of an English verb when used as a noun)
Advertisement

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Gerund \Ger"und\, n. [L. gerundium, fr. gerere to bear, carry, perform. See Gest a deed, Jest.] (Lat. Gram.) [1913 Webster]

1.A kind of verbal noun, having only the four oblique cases of the singular number, and governing cases like a participle. [1913 Webster]

2.In Modern English, the -ing form of a verb, when functioning as a noun; as, running is good for the heart. [PJC]

3.(AS. Gram.) A verbal noun ending in -e, preceded by to and usually denoting purpose or end; -- called also the dative infinitive; as, "Ic h[ae]bbe mete t[^o] etanne" (I have meat to eat.). [1913 Webster]

Advertisement