be(-come) like, compare, use (as a) proverb, speak (in proverbs), utter

Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:

(for a word). Wise utterance; enigma (Num. 21:2727Wherefore they that speak in proverbs say, Come into Heshbon, let the city of Sihon be built and prepared: (Numbers 21:27)). The proverbs, collected and poetically arranged by Solomon, or by his authority, constitute the twentieth O. T. book.

Concise Bible Dictionary:

The word chidah is once translated “proverb” (Hab. 2:66Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, Woe to him that increaseth that which is not his! how long? and to him that ladeth himself with thick clay! (Habakkuk 2:6)); but is often translated “riddle.” It signifies “problem,” a hidden mode of speaking, which conceals the sense under figurative expressions. The parable of the great eagle in Ezekiel 17:2-32Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel; 3And say, Thus saith the Lord God; A great eagle with great wings, longwinged, full of feathers, which had divers colors, came unto Lebanon, and took the highest branch of the cedar: (Ezekiel 17:2‑3), is also called a “riddle.” The word commonly translated “proverb,” and used for the Book of Proverbs is mashal, signifying “comparison, similitude.” Proverbs are short sentences calculated to arrest attention and be retained in the memory (Deut. 28:3737And thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword, among all nations whither the Lord shall lead thee. (Deuteronomy 28:37); 1 Sam. 24:1313As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee. (1 Samuel 24:13); Psalm 69:1111I made sackcloth also my garment; and I became a proverb to them. (Psalm 69:11); Prov. 1:11The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; (Proverbs 1:1); Eccl. 12:99And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs. (Ecclesiastes 12:9); Isa. 14:44That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased! the golden city ceased! (Isaiah 14:4); Jer. 24:99And I will deliver them to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth for their hurt, to be a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse, in all places whither I shall drive them. (Jeremiah 24:9); Ezek. 12:22-2322Son of man, what is that proverb that ye have in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth? 23Tell them therefore, Thus saith the Lord God; I will make this proverb to cease, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel; but say unto them, The days are at hand, and the effect of every vision. (Ezekiel 12:22‑23); Ezek. 18:2-32What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge? 3As I live, saith the Lord God, ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel. (Ezekiel 18:2‑3), etc.). In the New Testament are the words
1. παραβολή, “a similitude, comparison.” In the AV this is only once translated “proverb” (Luke 4:2323And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country. (Luke 4:23)); but is often translated “parable.”

Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew Words:

Number:
4911 (find all occurrences in KJV Bible)
Transliteration:
mashal
Phonic:
maw-shal’
Meaning:
denominative from 4912; to liken, i.e. (transitively) to use figurative language (an allegory, adage, song or the like); intransitively, to resemble
KJV Usage:
be(-come) like, compare, use (as a) proverb, speak (in proverbs), utter