: that is to say : namely

Examples of to wit in a Sentence

if we keep spending money like it's water, we're sure to end up in the same place as it often does, to wit, down the drain
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.
America’s position, both geopolitically and in the energy sector, has been strengthened following the strikes on Iran, to wit Brent oil prices hovering at a healthy $67 a barrel at the time of this writing. Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 White envisioned a truly global league; to wit, athletes at the first event in Aspen represent 10 countries and four continents. Michelle Bruton, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025 Would the other 49 states nuke California to prevent her from leaving the Union? Which brings up the economic ramifications of California leaving the Union, a negative prospect for the rest of the nation to wit catastrophic and cataclysmic. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 1 Feb. 2025 Such high housing costs spawn other socioeconomic issues, the researchers continued, to wit: California has the nation’s second lowest rate of home ownership, behind New York, and home ownership is particularly scant among young adults, and Blacks and Latinos of any age. Dan Walters, Orange County Register, 9 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for to wit

Word History

Etymology

Middle English to witen, literally, to know — more at wit

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of to wit was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“To wit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/to%20wit. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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