mostly

adverb

most·​ly ˈmōst-lē How to pronounce mostly (audio)
: for the greatest part : mainly

Examples of mostly in a Sentence

the weather this month has been mostly mild
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The deaths have mostly involved locals and have been blamed by local authorities on a wave of arms and gun trafficking fueling turf wars among rival gangs in Providenciales. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 19 Jan. 2025 The provision has been rarely used since World War II and has mostly been reserved for situations where extreme weather has overwhelmed power plants, Schwartz said. Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 19 Jan. 2025 Before the deal, at least 117 hostages had been released, mostly in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. David Faris, Newsweek, 19 Jan. 2025 In pictures from the 1965 event, Johnson stands out in striking red among a sea of mostly black suits. Jacqui Palumbo, CNN, 19 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for mostly 

Word History

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mostly was in 1563

Dictionary Entries Near mostly

Cite this Entry

“Mostly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mostly. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

mostly

adverb
most·​ly ˈmōst-lē How to pronounce mostly (audio)
: for the greatest part : mainly

More from Merriam-Webster on mostly

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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