mostly

adverb

most·​ly ˈmōst-lē How to pronounce mostly (audio)
: for the greatest part : mainly

Examples of mostly in a Sentence

the weather this month has been mostly mild
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.
Finance started as mostly accounting, and spreadsheets are what empowered the finance function to be more forward looking. Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025 In a book focused mostly on institutions, this is a salutary and moving reminder that ideas matter. Michael Albertus, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025 The roles are mostly concentrated in senior and management levels. Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2025 This war is mostly for show at this point, in other words, and investors are returning to fundamentals rather than politics. Jim Edwards, Fortune, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for mostly

Word History

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mostly was in 1563

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Cite this Entry

“Mostly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mostly. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

mostly

adverb
most·​ly ˈmōst-lē How to pronounce mostly (audio)
: for the greatest part : mainly

More from Merriam-Webster on mostly

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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