Definitions for participleˈpɑr təˌsɪp əl, -sə pəl

Random House Webster's College Dictionary

par•ti•ci•ple^*ˈpɑr təˌsɪp əl, -sə pəl(n.)

a nonfinite verbal form that can function as an adjective or be used with certain auxiliaries to make compound verb forms, as burning in a burning candle or devoted in your devoted friend. Abbr.: part.
Category: Grammar
Ref: Compare past participle, present participle .

^* Usage: See dangling participle, misplaced modifier.

Origin of participle:

1350–1400; ME < MF, var. of participe < L participium, der. (with -ium -ium1) of particeps taking part =parti- (s. of pars) part+-cep- (comb. form of capere to take) +-s nom. sing. ending

Princeton's WordNet

participle, participial(noun)
a non-finite form of the verb; in English it is used adjectivally and to form compound tenses

Kernerman English Learner's Dictionary

participle(noun)ˈpɑr təˌsɪp əl, -sə pəl
in grammar, the form of a verb used to make a compound tense
the present/past participle

Wiktionary

participle(Noun)
A form of a verb that may function as an adjective or noun. English has two types of participles: the present participle and the past participle.

Origin: From participle (1388), ‘a noun-adjective’, variant of participe, from participium.

Webster Dictionary

Participle(noun)
a part of speech partaking of the nature both verb and adjective; a form of a verb, or verbal adjective, modifying a noun, but taking the adjuncts of the verb from which it is derived. In the sentences: a letter is written; being asleep he did not hear; exhausted by toil he will sleep soundly, -- written, being, and exhaustedare participles
Participle(adj)
anything that partakes of the nature of different things