approximately

adverb

ap·​prox·​i·​mate·​ly ə-ˈpräk-sə-mət-lē How to pronounce approximately (audio)
: in an approximate manner
an event in ancient history that can only be approximately dated
used to indicate that a stated number, amount, or value is an approximation
Approximately [=around, about] 2,000 people attended the rally.
arrived at approximately 11:30 in the morning
During a lifetime, a person will take approximately 500 million breaths.Arthur S. Slutsky, M.D., et al.

Examples of approximately in a Sentence

it takes approximately three hours to drive to Dallas
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.
By a rough count, Flagg played in approximately six different lineups, including some small-ball looks with Dwight Powell at center. Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Oct. 2025 Previously, the show was held at Allen Arena on the Lipscomb University campus in Nashville, which seats approximately 5,000 people. Melonee Hurt, Nashville Tennessean, 6 Oct. 2025 In 1983, a report estimated that, since 1970, New York City had lost approximately three hundred and ten thousand apartments to abandonment or demolition—many were burned. The New Yorker, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025 By comparison, the total daily compensation of approximately 750,000 federa l workers furloughed during the shutdown is roughly $400 million, accordi ng to Congressional Budget Office estimates. Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for approximately

Word History

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of approximately was in 1742

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Approximately.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/approximately. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

approximately

adverb
ap·​prox·​i·​mate·​ly
-mət-lē
: reasonably close to
approximately 5 miles
at approximately six o'clock

More from Merriam-Webster on approximately

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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