Modal definition: of or relating to mode, manner, or form.. See examples of MODAL used in a sentence., In grammar, a modal or a modal auxiliary is a word such as 'can' or 'would' which is used with a main verb to express ideas such as possibility, intention, or necessity., Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs like can, should, and must that express conditions such as possibility, ability, necessity, and permission. Frequently used modal verbs include can, may, might, could, should, would, will, and must., modal noun /ˈmoʊdl/ (also modal verb, modal auxiliary, modal auxiliary verb) (grammar) a verb such as can, may, or will that is used with another verb (not a modal) to express possibility, permission, intention, etc., Define modal. modal synonyms, modal pronunciation, modal translation, English dictionary definition of modal. A modal auxiliary verb , often simply called a modal verb or even just a modal , is used to change the meaning of other verbs by expressing modality —that, Use "modal" to describe verbs like "can" or "must" that express necessity or possibility. From Latin "modalis," meaning "pertaining to mode," derived from "modus" (measure or manner). 1. She used a modal verb in her sentence. 2. The artist chose a modal approach for the painting. 3. Can you identify the modal auxiliary here? 4..