noun
verbiage
VUR-bee-ij
Verbiage (noun) means Excessive or unnecessary words, especially language that is wordy and says little. Example: “Strip out the verbiage and the report says almost nothing.”
noun
1
disapproving Excessive or unnecessary words, especially language that is wordy and says little.
"Strip out the verbiage and the report says almost nothing."
"The contract is buried under three pages of legal verbiage."
2
chiefly North American business use The particular wording of a document or message, considered neutrally.
"Legal have signed off on the verbiage for the disclaimer."
"Can you send me the verbiage you want on the sign?"
How to use verbiage
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWords that fill space without adding meaning.
When to use it
The critical sense is standard everywhere; the neutral 'wording' sense is common in US offices and is disliked by traditionalists.
Memory tip
It is an uncountable noun. Say 'a lot of verbiage', never 'many verbiages'.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
legal verbiage
marketing verbiage
cut the verbiage
empty verbiage
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Fill the gap
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Strip out the _____ and the report says almost nothing.
Etymology
From French verbiage, from Old French verbier 'to chatter', ultimately related to Latin verbum 'word'.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for verbiage
See all rhymes for verbiage →Frequently asked questions
Does verbiage mean 'wording' or 'too many words'?
Traditionally it means too many words, and using it that way is always safe. In American business English it has also come to mean simply the wording of something, with no criticism implied. Careful writers still avoid the neutral sense because many readers hear the insult.
What is the difference between verbiage and verbosity?
Verbosity is the quality of using too many words; verbiage is the excess wording itself. You criticise a writer's verbosity, and you delete the verbiage from their draft.
Is verbiage a negative word?
In its original and most widely understood sense, yes. If you tell a colleague their email is 'full of verbiage', they will take it as criticism, so use 'wording' when you mean something neutral.
What is the meaning of verbiage?
"verbiage" (noun) means excessive or unnecessary words, especially language that is wordy and says little.
