little by little

adverb

: by small degrees or amounts : gradually

Examples of little by little in a Sentence

little by little, we pieced together the jigsaw puzzle
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
How to prepare for the time change Some people try to prepare for a time change jolt by changing their bed times little by little in the days before the change. Associated Press, TIME, 27 Oct. 2024 Throughout the decades, the industries that people were permitted to operate in were expanded little by little. Orlando Matos, NBC News, 4 Sep. 2024 There is also the work of the make-up artist, the hairdresser, the wardrobe [team] that shows changes like deteriorating hair, little by little. Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Sep. 2024 Carreira is not interested in vilifying individuals but in teasing out the inhumanity of working conditions that grind people down little by little. Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 6 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for little by little 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of little by little was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near little by little

Cite this Entry

“Little by little.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/little%20by%20little. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

little by little

adverb
: by small steps or amounts : gradually
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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