modifier

noun

mod·​i·​fi·​er ˈmä-də-ˌfī(-ə)r How to pronounce modifier (audio)
1
: one that modifies
2
: a word or phrase that makes specific the meaning of another word or phrase
3
: a gene that modifies the effect of another

Examples of modifier in a Sentence

In “a red hat,” the adjective “red” is a modifier describing the noun “hat.” In “They were talking loudly,” the adverb “loudly” is a modifier of the verb “talking.”
Recent Examples on the Web The charge against him also includes modifiers for use of a dangerous weapon and for being a party to a crime. Chris Ramirez, Journal Sentinel, 23 Feb. 2024 Most damage-dealing projectile sizes have been increased by a new global modifier added to their base size. Kris Holt, Forbes, 12 Feb. 2024 This mode is unbelievably addicting – modifiers, boss battles and an ever-changing path of randomized encounters keeps it feeling fresh and exciting, even after hours of play. Katcy Stephan, Variety, 16 Jan. 2024 Would-be weather modifiers conducted a series of expensive field experiments, seeding massive storm clouds over the course of many seasons in different parts of the United States. Kathryn Phillips, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019 The Las Vegas map even has a UFO invasion event that can appear mid-game, similar to the modifiers that suddenly appear to kick off a low-gravity mode or even more destruction damage. Tom Warren, The Verge, 8 Dec. 2023 Building in this way, the playable Mario characters exist as an increasingly long series of modifiers — Waluigi is evil and also brother; Daisy is woman and also (spiritually though not actually) sister; Toadette is friend, but female; Birdo is camp. Vulture Editors, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2023 Before the recent rise of AI chatbots, image generators and voice modifiers, studios used the technology to fill out battle scenes and for digital animation, said Joshua Glick, a film and media studies scholar at Bard College. Pranshu Verma, Washington Post, 14 Apr. 2023 No Match Game – Bungie has killed off one of Destiny’s most exhausting modifiers, which makes shields borderline immune to non-matching weapons in higher difficulties. Paul Tassi, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'modifier.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of modifier was in 1583

Dictionary Entries Near modifier

Cite this Entry

“Modifier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modifier. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

modifier

noun
mod·​i·​fi·​er ˈmäd-ə-ˌfī(-ə)r How to pronounce modifier (audio)
: a word (as an adjective or adverb) or group of words (as a phrase or clause) used with another word or group of words to limit its meaning

Medical Definition

modifier

noun
mod·​i·​fi·​er ˈmäd-ə-ˌfī(-ə)r How to pronounce modifier (audio)
1
: one that modifies
2
: a gene that modifies the effect of another

More from Merriam-Webster on modifier

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