modifier

noun

mod·​i·​fi·​er ˈmä-də-ˌfī(-ə)r How to pronounce modifier (audio)
1
: one that modifies
2
: a word or phrase that makes specific the meaning of another word or phrase
3
: a gene that modifies the effect of another

Examples of modifier in a Sentence

In “a red hat,” the adjective “red” is a modifier describing the noun “hat.” In “They were talking loudly,” the adverb “loudly” is a modifier of the verb “talking.”
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.
In most cases the additive/modifier is nothing more than a type of stop-leak. — John Paul, The Providence Journal, 6 Mar. 2026 These two operations are not equivalent and the use of modifiers recognized that difference. — Dr. John Guzzi, Hartford Courant, 27 May 2026 Instead, each statement is afflicted by a delinquent modifier. — Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026 If that’s too much work, though, the options menu includes a ton of inventive modifiers to tweak the difficulty in easier, harder, or simply weirder ways. — ArsTechnica, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for modifier

Word History

First Known Use

1682, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of modifier was in 1682

Phrases Containing modifier

Rhymes for modifier

See All Rhymes for modifier

Browse Nearby Words

modified soda
modifier
modify
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

modifier

noun
mod·​i·​fi·​er ˈmäd-ə-ˌfī(-ə)r How to pronounce modifier (audio)
: a word (as an adjective or adverb) or group of words (as a phrase or clause) used with another word or group of words to limit its meaning

Medical Definition

modifier

noun
mod·​i·​fi·​er ˈmäd-ə-ˌfī(-ə)r How to pronounce modifier (audio)
1
: one that modifies
2
: a gene that modifies the effect of another

More from Merriam-Webster on modifier

Nglish: Translation of modifier for Spanish Speakers

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