noun
B1
Intermediate
idiom
IH-dee-uhm
Idiom (noun) means a phrase whose meaning can't be worked out just from the words in it, such as "kick the bucket.". Example: “Spill the beans" is an idiom meaning to reveal a secret.”
noun
1
A phrase whose meaning can't be worked out just from the words in it, such as "kick the bucket."
""Spill the beans" is an idiom meaning to reveal a secret."
"Learners of English often struggle with idioms because they can't be translated literally."
2
A characteristic style of expression used in a language, art form, or field.
"The film borrows heavily from the visual idiom of 1970s westerns."
How to use idiom
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA fixed phrase with a meaning different from its literal words, or more broadly, a distinctive style.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
common idiom
English idiom
musical idiom
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Word forms
- Plural
- idioms, idiomata
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
"Spill the beans" is an _____ meaning to reveal a secret.
Etymology
From Greek idíōma, "peculiarity, particular phrasing," via Latin and French.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for idiom
See all rhymes for idiom →Frequently asked questions
What does “idiom” mean?
The word “idiom” means a phrase whose meaning can't be worked out just from the words in it, such as "kick the bucket.". In plain terms, a fixed phrase with a meaning different from its literal words, or more broadly, a distinctive style.
How do you pronounce “idiom”?
“Idiom” is pronounced IH-dee-uhm (/ˈɪdiəm/ in IPA).
How do you use “idiom” in a sentence?
Here is “idiom” used in a sentence: “"Spill the beans" is an idiom meaning to reveal a secret.”
What is another word for “idiom”?
Words with a similar meaning to “idiom” include expression, form of words, idiotism, locution and phrase.
What part of speech is “idiom”?
“Idiom” is a noun.
Where does the word “idiom” come from?
The word “idiom” comes from Latin. From Greek idíōma, "peculiarity, particular phrasing," via Latin and French.
How many meanings does “idiom” have?
“Idiom” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a phrase whose meaning can't be worked out just from the words in it, such as "kick the bucket.".
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