Definition of: sentence

(sen′təns) noun
1. Gram. A word or a related group of words expressing a complete thought, whether a statement of fact (declarative), a question (interrogative), a command (imperative), or an exclamation (exclamatory). Declarative and interrogative sentences usually contain a subject (that which is spoken of) and a predicate (what is said about the subject), but either or both of these elements may be missing in an utterance that, nevertheless, conveys full meaning, as in “Where is John?” “At home.” or “Look!”
—simple sentence A sentence consisting of one independent clause, as The dog barked. Its subject and predicate may be simple (having one substantive or one verb) or compound (having two or more substantives or verbs), and there may be modifying words and phrases.
—compound sentence A sentence consisting of more than one independent clause, as The sun shone and the birds sang.
—complex sentence A sentence consisting of a principal clause and one or more subordinate clauses, as After I have read it, I shall give the book to you.
2. Law A final judgment; penalty pronounced upon a person convicted.
3. A determination; opinion, especially as expressed formally.
4. An instructive saying; a maxim.
5. Music A complete idea or period, usually consisting of several phrases, as the half of a four–line hymn tune or song.
—v.t. ·tenced, ·tenc·ing To pass sentence upon; condemn to punishment. See synonyms under CONDEMN. [<OF <L sententia an opinion <sentire feel, be of opinion]
—sen·ten·tial (sen·ten′shəl) adjective