come by

verb

came by; come by; coming by; comes by

transitive verb

: to get possession of : acquire

a good job is hard to come by

intransitive verb

: to make a visit

came by after dinner

Synonyms

• call
• come over
• drop by
• drop in
• pop (in)
• run (over)
• run in
• step in
• stop (by or in)
• visit

Examples of come by in a Sentence

come by after work and I'll give you some clothes for the rummage sale

a literary award like that isn't easy to come by

Recent Examples on the Web

Tickets for their upcoming appearance were nearly impossible to come by, and lucky guests prepared by purchasing wigs to match the band’s signature shags. —Sarah Holzmann, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Feb. 2025

Reality check: Quality Kansas City-style barbecue is hard to come by in San Diego, but Phil's BBQ is probably the closest thing. —Kate Murphy, Axios, 7 Feb. 2025

Runs have been tough to come by for the Burnsville softball team to open the season. —Tom Schardin, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025

The mayor of Nichinan came by to express his gratitude and suggested displaying the sword in the town. —Kevin Chroust, Outside Online, 5 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

come by

verb

1

: to make a visit

come by after dinner

2

: acquire

good help is hard to come by