maybe

1 of 2

adverb

may·​be ˈmā-bē How to pronounce maybe (audio)
also ˈme-
Synonyms of maybenext

maybe

2 of 2

noun

Examples of maybe in a Sentence

Adverb maybe we can make it to the concert, if we hurry
Recent Examples on the Web
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Adverb
Eric Nadel is in a group that includes Mel Allen, Bob Uecker, Harry Kalas, Jerry Coleman, Denny Matthews, Red Barber, Ernie Harwell, Jon Miller, Jack Brickhouse, Marty Brennaman, Harry Caray, Jack Buck, and maybe the most revered of them all, Vin Scully. Mac Engel april 2, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Apr. 2026 Miso soup, rice, and another protein, maybe a type of chicken. Jeremy O. Harris, Vanity Fair, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
But a sleight of hand is at work; the maybes of one chapter become the assumptions of the next, and at times contrary evidence is entirely ignored. Isaac Butler, The Atlantic, 3 Nov. 2025 Below is a breakdown of how that world might look, taking the academy sensibility at face value but mixing in some what-ifs and maybes to keep things interesting. Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 22 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for maybe

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1598, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Maybe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maybe. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

maybe

adverb
may·​be
ˈmā-bē
ˈmeb-ē

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