copular

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

cop•u•la /ˈkɑpyələ/   n. [countable] , pl. -las, -lae 

/-ˌli/.  
1. Grammar a verb, such as be, seem, or look, that serves as a connecting link or establishes an identity between a subject and a complement (a noun or adjective that comes next):
   In the sentence John is a student, the word is functions as a copula because it establishes an identity between John and student.
   Also called linking verb. 

cop•u•lar, adj. 

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

cop•u•la  (kop′yə lə), n., pl. -las, -lae 

(-lē′). 
1. something that connects or links together.
2. Grammar Also called linking verb. a verb, as be, seem, or look, that serves as a connecting link or establishes an identity between subject and complement.
3. Oceanography, Philosophy [Logic.] a word or set of words that acts as a connecting link between the subject and predicate of a proposition.

• Latin cōpula, equivalent. to co- co- + ap- fasten (see apt) + -ula -ule
• 1640–50

cop′u•lar, adj.