at bottom

phrase

: really, basically

It is, at bottom, a love song.

Word History

First Known Use

1668, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of at bottom was in 1668

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

at best

at bottom

ATC

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“At bottom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20bottom. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Definition revised

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

libertine

Listen to the pronunciation of libertine

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

The Words of the Week - Mar. 6

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

17 Words for Dog Breeds

Birds Say the Darndest Things

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

The Words of the Week - Mar. 6

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?