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 Word Forms

• 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

In all, Americans are becoming less and less happy and that is being driven by young people falling off of the proverbial and metaphorical cliff in terms of satisfaction and happiness with their lives.

From Salon

Sandberg becomes more the epitome of someone with the proverbial whim of iron.

From Los Angeles Times

With a glorious start to the meteorological spring, coming in like the proverbial lamb rather than lion, temperatures have risen thanks to increasingly mild air, boosted by plentiful sunshine and longer daylight hours.

From BBC

It would be a tragedy to throw the proverbial baby out with the bathwater given that we are faced with an opportunity to actually make work better — for everyone.

From Salon

I don’t smoke cigarettes, but one where you’re smoking a proverbial cigarette and the wine is flowing.

From Los Angeles Times