variants or amidst
ə-ˈmidst How to pronounce amid (audio)
-ˈmitst
1
: in or into the middle of : surrounded by : among
amid the crowd
2
a
: during
amid the fighting
b
: with the accompaniment of
resigned amid rumors of misconduct

Example Sentences

It was hard to hear amid all the cheering. The investigation comes amid growing concerns. Amid such changes, one thing stayed the same. He managed to escape amid the confusion. There was a single dark bird amid a flock of white pigeons.
Recent Examples on the Web Glenn Beck was ousted from the Fox News late-afternoon schedule in 2011 amid concerns about advertiser protests and passing along conspiracy theories. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 17 May 2023 Instead, the film — which dropped May 16 on the streamer — interrogates Smith and her journey from Houston to the arms of billionaire J. Howard Marshall through the rise of her own empire amid a tabloid circus and her dark end. Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 May 2023 In response to the protests, Tehran has wielded the threat of capital punishment to crack down on and deter dissent, local and international rights groups say, amid a spate of executions in 2023 — at least 209 in just five months, according to the United Nations. Miriam Berger, Washington Post, 17 May 2023 To anyone else, the conversation could have felt like déjà vu, just another shallow promise amid all the delays. Hanna Krueger, BostonGlobe.com, 17 May 2023 Kim Zolciak-Biermann is reevaluating the meaning of love amid her divorce. Stephanie Wenger, Peoplemag, 17 May 2023 The head of Russia’s Wagner mercenary forces also claimed that Russian troops were abandoning their posts amid poor command and control orders from superiors – enabling Ukrainian forces to advance their lines. Caitlin Mcfall, Fox News, 17 May 2023 Monkeypox resurgence in Chicago triggers warnings ahead of Pride Month, International Mr. Leather conference Health experts are urging caution amid a resurgence in Chicago monkeypox cases. Chicago Tribune Staff, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2023 The social media star also responded to comments defending her decision to rap amid some backlash from trolls. Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 17 May 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'amid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

amid from Middle English amidde, from Old English onmiddan, from on + middan, dative of midde mid; amidst from Middle English amiddes, from amidde + -es -s

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of amid was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near amid

Cite this Entry

“Amid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amid. Accessed 2 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

amid

preposition
variants or amidst
: in or into the middle of
amid the crowd

More from Merriam-Webster on amid

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