define noun phrase
noun phrase. Noun. (plural noun phrases). ( 1 grammar) A phrase that can serve as the subject or the object of a verb; it is usually headed by a noun, (including pronouns), with any associated dependents such as determiners or modifiers.2  banana (a noun). 3  big bananas (an adjective 'big', and a plural noun). (grammar) A phrase that can serve as the subject or the object of a verb; it is usually headed by a noun, (including pronouns), with any associated dependents such as determiners or modifiers. 2  banana (a noun). 3  big bananas (an adjective 'big', and a plural noun).