: indicating a quantity whose algebraically positive and negative values serve to bracket a range of values either alone or when added to and subtracted from a given number
measured with an accuracy of plus or minus 3 feet
: more or less, approximately
a dance for singles plus or minus age 30
Synonyms
Examples of plus or minus in a Sentence
Adverb
I have plus or minus five dollars in change.
Recent Examples on the Web
Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
The survey has a potential sampling margin of error of plus or minus 9%, according to the statement.
—Graham Lee Brewer, Los Angeles Times, 21 Nov. 2024
Sarah Elbeshbishi, USA TODAY, 23 Mar. 2023
The poll surveyed 805 adults via telephone interviews from March 16-20, and has a margin of error of plus or minus 5.8 percentage points.
—Bridget Bowman, NBC News, 21 Mar. 2023
See all Example Sentences for plus or minus 
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.
Adjective
The poll had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.9 percentage points.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
The survey has a potential sampling margin of error of plus or minus 9%, according to the statement.
—Graham Lee Brewer, Los Angeles Times, 21 Nov. 2024
Adverb
The survey of 1,582 adults, taken March 16-20 online has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.7%.
—Sarah Elbeshbishi, USA TODAY, 23 Mar. 2023
The poll surveyed 805 adults via telephone interviews from March 16-20, and has a margin of error of plus or minus 5.8 percentage points.
—Bridget Bowman, NBC News, 21 Mar. 2023
See all Example Sentences for plus or minus
Dictionary Entries Near plus or minus
Cite this Entry
“Plus or minus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plus%20or%20minus. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share