gerund Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a noun formed from a verb (such as the `-ing' form of an English verb when used as a noun)

WordNet

Ger"und noun
Etymology
L. gerundium, fr. gerere to bear, carry, perform. See Gest a deed, Jest.
Definitions
(Lat. Gram.)
  1. A kind of verbal noun, having only the four oblique cases of the singular number, and governing cases like a participle.
  2. (AS. Gram.) A verbal noun ending in -e, preceded by to and usually denoting purpose or end; -- called also the dative infinitive; as, "Ic hæbbe mete tô etanne" (I have meat to eat.) In Modern English the name has been applied to verbal or participal nouns in -ing denoting a transitive action; e. g., by throwing a stone.

Webster 1913