interrogative

1 of 2

adjective

1
a
: used in a question
b
: having the form or force of a question
2
interrogatively adverb

interrogative

2 of 2

noun

1
: a word (such as who, what, which) or a particle (such as Latin -ne) used in asking questions
2

Examples of interrogative in a Sentence

Adjective “Did you go to school today?” is an interrogative sentence. an interrogative pronoun such as “who” She had an interrogative expression on her face. an interrogative tone of voice Noun though she phrased it as an interrogative, it was clear that the utterance was more of a command
Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
The statues felt interrogative, like something or someone was already disappointed in me. Maya Ibbitson, Architectural Digest, 12 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1522, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of interrogative was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Interrogative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interrogative. Accessed 13 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

interrogative

1 of 2 adjective
1
: having the form or force of a question
an interrogative phrase
2
: used in a question
an interrogative pronoun
interrogatively adverb

interrogative

2 of 2 noun
: a word (as who, what, which) used in asking questions

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