proverbial

[ pruh-vur-bee-uhl ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of a proverb:

   proverbial brevity.

2. expressed in a proverb or proverbs:

   proverbial wisdom.

3. of the nature of or resembling a proverb:

   proverbial sayings.

4. having been made the subject of a proverb:

   the proverbial barn door which is closed too late.

5. having become an object of common mention or reference:

   your proverbial inability to get anywhere on time.

proverbial

/ prəˈvɜːbɪəl /

adjective

1. prenominal commonly or traditionally referred to, esp as being an example of some peculiarity, characteristic, etc
2. of, connected with, embodied in, or resembling a proverb

Derived Forms

• proˈverbially, adverb

Other Words From

• pro·verbi·al·ly adverb
• unpro·verbi·al adjective
• unpro·verbi·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of proverbial¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English word from Latin word prōverbiālis. See proverb, -al ¹

Example Sentences

For all the claptrap over the decades about booting people out, this country’s leaders quickly realize their error and bust out the proverbial welcome mat just as quickly.

From Los Angeles Times

Still my proverbial jaw is on the proverbial floor every time I see a picture of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. This guy thinks you shouldn’t get your kids vaccinated against polio, too.

From Salon

By relinquishing that quest and settling into her new ghostly state –– which, we agree with Billy, suits her –– Agatha can impart the wisdom she’s learned walking the proverbial Witches Road.

From Salon

The fans will return next year, the team will swing for the proverbial fences yet again, most likely with another shot at winning the World Series.

From Los Angeles Times

The company clearly values its employees and customers and says it only takes risks when it doesn’t have to bet the proverbial farm.

From Salon