abroad

adverb or adjective

1
: beyond the boundaries of one's country : in or to a foreign country
traveling abroad
hopes to study abroad next year
both at home and abroad
a family that came here from abroad [=from a foreign country] several years ago
2
: over a wide area : widely
wolves venturing abroad in increasing numbers
3
old-fashioned : away from one's home
doesn't go walking abroad at night
4
formal : in wide circulation : about
There are rumors abroad that the company is in trouble.
5
: wide of the mark : astray

Examples of abroad in a Sentence

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.
The program aims to demonstrate the breadth and depth of their art form — with pieces spanning the classical, folkloric, contemporary and flamenco styles — and the company’s half-century of output, earning them apt praise both here and abroad. Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025 Its mission spans military operations, strategic planning, and support for national interests both at home and abroad. Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025 Disney parks abroad Disney Adventure World transformation World of Frozen will open at Disneyland Paris next spring. Eve Chen, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025 Prolonged elevated yields are raising questions on whether higher JGB yields will impact domestic appetite to invest abroad, while also sparking a repatriation of capital. Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for abroad

Word History

Etymology

Middle English abrod, abrood, from a- a- entry 1 + brod, brood broad entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Abroad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abroad. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

abroad

adverb or adjective
1
: over a wide area
2
: away from one's home
doesn't go abroad at night
3
: in or to foreign countries
travel abroad
4
formal : in wide circulation
rumors were abroad

More from Merriam-Webster on abroad

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!