Search results for 'idiom':

idiom noun 1 an expression with a meaning which cannot be guessed at or derived from the meanings of the individual words which form it • The idiom 'to have a chip on one's shoulder' is of US origin. 2 the syntax, grammar and forms of expression peculiar to a language or a variety of language. 3 the language, vocabulary, forms of expression, etc used by a particular person or group of people. 4 the characteristic style or forms of expression of a particular artist, musician, artistic or musical school, etc. idiomatic adj 1 characteristic of a particular language. 2 tending to use idioms; using idioms correctly • fluent idiomatic French. idiomatically adverb.
ETYMOLOGY: 16c: from French idiome, from Latin idioma, from Greek idios own.