Sentence

/ˈsɛntəns/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A set of words that conveys a complete thought or idea, typically containing a subject and a predicate.
She wrote a complex sentence that explained her theory.
A group of words that expresses a statement, question, command, or exclamation.
The teacher asked the students to form a coherent sentence.
A grammatical unit consisting of one or more words that is complete in itself.
In English, every sentence must have at least a subject and a verb.
verb
To declare the punishment for a person convicted of a crime.
The judge will sentence the defendant to ten years in prison.
To impose a judicial sentence on someone.
After much deliberation, the jury decided to sentence the offender.

Etymology

From Old French 'sentence', from Latin 'sententia' meaning 'thought, opinion'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

life sentence:
A punishment of imprisonment for the duration of a person's life.
sentence fragment:
A group of words that is not a complete sentence.
to sentence someone:
To officially impose a punishment on someone by a court.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

Get a sentence
He got a sentence for dealing drugs.
Sentence time
I’m doing my sentence for that mistake.