for

1 of 5

preposition

fər,
(ˈ)fȯr How to pronounce for (audio)
 Southern also  (ˈ)fär
1
a
used as a function word to indicate purpose
a grant for studying medicine
b
used as a function word to indicate an intended goal
left for home
acted for the best
c
used as a function word to indicate the object or recipient of a perception, desire, or activity
now for a good rest
run for your life
an eye for a bargain
2
a
: as being or constituting
taken for a fool
eggs for breakfast
b
used as a function word to indicate an actual or implied enumeration or selection
for one thing, the price is too high
3
: because of
can't sleep for the heat
4
used as a function word to indicate suitability or fitness
it is not for you to choose
ready for action
5
a
: in place of
go to the store for me
b(1)
: on behalf of : representing
speaks for the court
(2)
: in favor of
all for the plan
6
: in spite of
usually used with all
for all his large size, he moves gracefully
7
: with respect to : concerning
a stickler for detail
heavy for its size
8
a
used as a function word to indicate equivalence in exchange
$10 for a hat
, equality in number or quantity
point for point
, or correspondence or correlation
for every one that works, you'll find five that don't
b
used as a function word to indicate number of attempts
0 for 4
9
used as a function word to indicate duration of time or extent of space
gone for two days
10
: in honor of : after
named for her grandmother

for

2 of 5

conjunction

: for the reason that : on this ground : because

for

3 of 5

abbreviation (1)

1
foreign
2
forestry

FOR

4 of 5

abbreviation (2)

free on rail

for-

5 of 5

prefix

1
: so as to involve prohibition, exclusion, omission, failure, neglect, or refusal
forbid
2
: destructively or detrimentally
fordo
3
: completely : excessively : to exhaustion : to pieces
forspent

Examples of for in a Sentence

Conjunction the bill should be listed as paid, for I mailed it in on time
Recent Examples on the Web
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Preposition
Women accounted for two of the artists in the top 10. Brian Boucher For Artnews, Robb Report, 23 Nov. 2024 From the shores, the penguins dive into the water to hunt for squid, crustaceans and small fish. Scott Travers, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024 The Times of London reports that the studio has released a statement clarifying its support for the author, who has faced widespread criticism in recent years for her views on trans and women’s rights. Caroline Frost, Deadline, 23 Nov. 2024 Family Matters star Jaleel White says Urkel switched from jeans to khakis to hide his bulge Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more. Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 23 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for for 

Word History

Etymology

Preposition and Conjunction

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Latin per through, prae before, pro before, for, ahead, Greek pro, Sanskrit pra before, in front, Old English faran to go — more at fare

Prefix

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German far- for-, Old English for

First Known Use

Preposition

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Conjunction

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of for was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near for

Cite this Entry

“For.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/for. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

for

1 of 2 preposition
fər How to pronounce for (audio)
(ˈ)fȯ(ə)r
1
used to indicate a purpose
money for lunch
, an intended goal
left for work
, or an object of one's desire
now for a good rest
2
: as being
do you take me for a fool
eggs for breakfast
3
: because of
cried for joy
4
a
: in support of
fighting for their country
b
used to indicate suitability or fitness
it's not for me to say
medicine for an illness
c
: so as to bring about a certain state
shouted the news for all to hear
5
a
: in place of
go to the store for me
b
: as the equal or equivalent of in an exchange or loan
paid $10 for a hat
6
: in spite of
unconvinced for all the clever arguments
7
: with respect to : concerning
had an eye for news
8
used to indicate equality or proportion
point for point
tall for your age
9
used to indicate length of time or extent of space
waited for several hours
10
: after entry 2 sense 3a
named for my grandmother

for

2 of 2 conjunction
: for the reason that : on this ground : because
they were certainly there, for I saw them

Legal Definition

for

preposition
1
: because of
a statute void for vagueness
2
: on behalf of : as the representative of
attorney general's office for petitioner

More from Merriam-Webster on for

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