plural in form but singular in construction
Synonyms of Proverbsnext
: a collection of moral sayings and counsels forming a book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture see Bible Table

Examples of Proverbs in a Sentence

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.
Reading Proverbs did not manage to enlighten me to the possibility that my parents’ rules were devised in my best interest. Meghan O’Gieblyn, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025 Ecclesiastes, also a wisdom book, has a very different perspective from Proverbs. Walt Shelton, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 There’s a line in Proverbs that says that, ‘Death and life are in the hands of the tongue’. Brian Bennett, Time, 23 May 2025 There is the beautiful proverb about the woman of strength (Proverbs 31:10-31), that is perhaps the most eloquent text on women in the Bible. Arkansas Online, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for Proverbs

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Cite this Entry

“Proverbs.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Proverbs. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

: a collection of moral sayings and counsels forming a book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture see bible table

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