little by little

adverb

: by small degrees or amounts : gradually

Examples of little by little in a Sentence

little by little, we pieced together the jigsaw puzzle
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.
Focusing on mindfulness and incorporating movement, breathwork, and better eating and sleeping habits, little by little, these steps changed his life. Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025 But really, state by state, little by little, a lot of people are starting to say [that] this is the way millions of people are making money on their own terms, and doing it in a way that really works for them. Fortune Editors, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025 Between the 1950s and 1990s, South Africa faced a strong boycott movement that, little by little, turned it into a pariah. Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2025 Diners can add the ingredients all at once or little by little—so the noodles don’t get soggy and the meat cooks just so. Bao Ong, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for little by little

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of little by little was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Little by little.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/little%20by%20little. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

little by little

adverb
: by small steps or amounts : gradually
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!