Definition of ACCRUE (original) (raw)

intransitive verb

: to come into existence as a legally enforceable claim

: to come about as a natural growth, increase, or advantage

the wisdom that accrues with age

: to come as a direct result of some state or action

rewards due to the feminine will accrue to me—Germaine Greer

: to accumulate or be added periodically

interest accrues on a daily basis

Examples of accrue in a Sentence

I'll get back all the money I invested, plus any interest and dividends that have accrued. investments that have accrued interest and dividends

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

While these efforts have had some positive results, more is needed given the imminent enormous intergenerational transfer of wealth accruing primarily to whites. —Noreen Sugrue, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025 Hermann accrued her merchandising, operations and marketing prowess as president of global brands at Ralph Lauren Corp., and chief executive officer roles at Reed Krakoff, Yves Saint Laurent and John Galliano. —Miles Socha, WWD, 8 Jan. 2025 The index shed earlier gains accrued when it was reported that Trump might soften his tariffs on imports, which would have benefited its constituent blue-chip companies such as those in the consumer discretionary sector. —Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 7 Jan. 2025 Maggie also introduces Quinn to her supply sergeant Conway (iCarly’s Laci Mosley), who reveals she’s taken advantage of the free-flowing military budget to accrue a secret closet full of valuable treasures for the base. —Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 2 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for accrue

Word History

Etymology

Middle English acrewen, acruwen, probably borrowed from Anglo-French *acreue "increase," noun derivative from feminine of acreu, past participle of acreistre "to increase, grow," going back to Latin accrēscere, from ad- ad- + crēscere "to grow" — more at crescent entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler

The first known use of accrue was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near accrue

Cite this Entry

“Accrue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accrue. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on accrue

Last Updated: 11 Jan 2025 - Updated example sentences

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