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verbal

adj. · n. · v.
US //ˈvɝbəɫ// UK //vˈɜːbəl// ver·bal
  1. 1 spoken (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    spoken rather than written down.

    expressed in spoken words; oral rather than written.

    Example

    The two managers reached a verbal agreement, but they still need to sign the contract.

    Example

    While a verbal agreement may be legally binding in certain jurisdictions, most solicitors advise securing a written document to prevent future disputes.
  2. 2 relating to words (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    relating to words or the use of words.

    of or relating to words, or the ability to use words effectively.

    Example

    The exam includes a verbal reasoning section to test your vocabulary.

    Example

    The candidate demonstrated exceptional verbal skills during the interview, articulating complex technical concepts with remarkable clarity.
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  1. 3 grammar (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Technical Science

    relating to a verb or coming from a verb.

    derived from or having the nature of a verb.

    Example

    A gerund is a verbal noun that ends in -ing.

    Example

    The professor explained how verbal adjectives can retain the tense and voice of their parent verbs while functioning as modifiers.

    Usage

    Often used to describe nouns or adjectives that function like verbs.
    • vocalic
  2. 4 banter or scolding (n.)
    C2 Proficiency British English Informal Slang

    insults or aggressive talk directed at someone.

    informal talk, especially in the form of banter, scolding, or verbal abuse.

    Example

    The players were giving each other some verbal during the match.

    Example

    The referee had to intervene when the light-hearted banter between the opposing fans turned into aggressive verbal.
  3. 5 to claim someone confessed (v.)
    C2 Proficiency British English Slang Law

    to claim that someone said something, usually a confession, when they actually did not.

    to falsely attribute a spoken confession or statement to a suspect.

    Example

    The prisoner claimed that the detectives had verballed him to get a conviction.

    Example

    The investigation revealed that the officers had systematically verballed suspects to secure convictions in high-profile cases.

    Usage

    Transitive verb; usually used in the context of police misconduct.
Origin

From Old French verbal, from Late Latin verbālis (“belonging to a word”). Equivalent to verb + -al.

Word family

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