WordGarden.iomerge
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /mˈɜːdʒ/
US
- /ˈmɜrdʒ/
Meanings
Verb
to combine two or more things into one whole, group, or system
to move a vehicle into another lane or stream of traffic, or for lanes to come together
for companies or organizations to combine into one business or institution
More meaningsFewer meanings
to combine code, files, data, or branches into one version in a computer system
Beyond the definition
To merge means to bring things together so they become one whole. Think of two streams flowing into a single river - they meet and continue as one. You might move into a highway lane while driving, or two companies might come together to form a larger business. It is about joining and becoming something new as a result. Sometimes it is smooth, like colors blending in paint; other times it can be tricky, like joining fast traffic on a busy freeway.
The word "merge" describes the act of combining or uniting two or more things into a single entity. It's more than just putting things together; it implies a blending and integration, often resulting in something new and different.
You see "merging" happen all around you. Highway traffic merges when lanes narrow, requiring drivers to carefully adjust their speed and position. In computer science, merging files combines them into one document or set of changes. Businesses merge to expand their reach and resources, joining together as one company. Even in cooking, flavors can merge beautifully when ingredients are simmered together for hours, creating a rich and complex sauce.
"Merge" isn't always physical. Ideas can merge, forming new perspectives. Cultures can merge, enriching each other through exchange. Sometimes the process is seamless, like two colors blending on a canvas. Other times it is more challenging, requiring compromise and adaptation.
The word also has specific meanings in technology: to "merge" changes in code means combining different versions of a file into one cohesive version. In databases, merging combines data from multiple sources.
So whether you're talking about roads, companies, flavors, or information, "merge" signifies the act of coming together, often to create something stronger, more complete, and unified.
Examples
- 1
Natural features
Two small rivers merge just before they reach the sea.
- 2
Traffic lanes
Traffic was slow where the two lanes merged into one.
- 3
Business deal
The company plans to merge with a smaller rival next year.
- Patternmerge with + organization
join together and become one organization
- 4
Team structure
They decided to merge the sales and support teams.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Documents
You can merge the two files into a single document before you send it.
- 6
Musical style
Over time, local and foreign influences merged into a new style of music.
- 7
Visual blending
In the evening light, the sea seemed to merge with the sky.
- Patternmerge with + nearby thing
become hard to separate visually
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- merge with
- merge into
- merge cells
- merge onto the highway
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- mergeverb
Forms
- mergedpast tenseverb
- merging-ing formverb
- mergesverb