The Open Dictionary

modal

noun

UK/ˈməʊ.dᵊl/
US/ˈmoʊ.dᵊl/

Definitions of modal noun

  1. B1Countablelanguage

    A verb, such as "can," "might," or "must," that combines with another verb to express concepts such as possibility or necessity, which are not conveyed by the main verb of a sentence.

    • In the sentence "You should complete the form," the word "should" is a modal verb.

    • The word "may" is often used to express permission or possibility, and it is a modal verb.

    • We must complete the task, where "must" functions as a modal verb.