verbally

American  

[vur-buh-lee] / ˈvɜr bə li /

adverb

1. using spoken words rather than written words; orally.

   The committee verbally OK’d the park renewal plan.

2. by the use of words, rather than by physical means.

   Pain inflicted verbally can leave deep, invisible scars.

3. Grammar. with the function of a verb.

   When used verbally, the term ‘bird-dog’ is hyphenated.

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Other Word Forms

• nonverbally adverb

Etymology

Origin of verbally

First recorded in 1570–70; verbal ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )

Example Sentences

In 2025, the US president went as far as visiting the Fed's under-renovation headquarters, where he verbally tussled with Powell as the two toured the site.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

The SEC does not necessarily require disclosures to be made in person or delivered verbally.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 24, 2026

The Claritas partner said that Hemsley’s name wasn’t to appear in writing, but could be shared verbally with other potential investors.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 2026

Izzard is so verbally adept that perhaps I expected too much from the soliloquies.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 25, 2026

The idea is the same: to get the children watching to verbally participate, to become actively involved.

From "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell