plural parts
1
a(1)
: one of the often indefinite or unequal subdivisions into which something is or is regarded as divided and which together constitute the whole
… the road was passable only part of the year …—
Samuel Johnson
Samuel Johnson
(2)
: an essential portion or integral element
Change is an inevitable part of life.
b
: one of several or many equal units of which something is composed or into which it is divisible : an amount equal to another amount
mix one part of the powder with three parts of water
c(1)
: an exact divisor of a quantity : aliquot
(2)
d
: one of the constituent elements of a plant or animal body: such as
(2)
e
: a division of a literary work
a novel in four parts
f(1)
: a vocal or instrumental line or melody in concerted music or in harmony
(2)
: a particular voice or instrument in concerted music
also
: the score for it
the violin part
g
: a constituent member of a machine or other apparatus
the parts of an airplane
also
: a spare part
automobile parts
2
: something falling to one in a division or apportionment : share
wanted no part of the proposal
3
: one's share or allotted task (as in an action) : duty
one must do one's part
4
: one of the opposing sides in a conflict or dispute
he that is not against us is on our part—Mark 9:40 (King James Version)
Mark 9:40 (King James Version)5
: a general area of indefinite boundaries
—usually used in plural
you're not from around these parts
took off for parts unknown
6
: a function or course of action performed
objected to the government's part in the strike
see also take part
7
a
: an actor's lines in a play, movie, etc.
The actress learned her part well.
b
: the role of a character in a play, movie, etc.
played the part of the villain
8
: a constituent of character or capacity : talent
a man of many parts
9
: the line where the hair is parted
His part was on the left side of his head.
parted; parting; parts
1
a
: to separate from or take leave of someone
b
: to take leave of one another
2
: to become separated into parts
4
: to become separated, detached, or broken
5
: to relinquish possession or control
hated to part with that money
1
a
: to divide into parts
b
: to separate by combing on each side of a line
c
: to break or suffer the breaking of (something, such as a rope or anchor chain)
2
: to divide into shares and distribute : apportion
3
a
: to remove from contact or association
if aught but death part thee and me—Ruth 1:17 (King James Version)
Ruth 1:17 (King James Version)
b
: to keep separate
the narrow channel that parts England from France
c
: to hold (people, such as brawlers) apart
d
: to separate by a process of extraction, elimination, or secretion
4
b
dialectal British
: relinquish, give up
Phrases
for one's part
: as far as one's share or interest is concerned
for my part, I do not see that the difference is important—Mary McCarthy
Mary McCarthy
: in general : on the whole
for the most part the crowd was orderly
: in some degree : partially
: with regard to the one specified
1
: to end a relationship or association
2
: to diverge from another (as in opinion)
—often used with with
Synonyms
Examples of part in a Sentence
Noun
The entire book is good, but the best part is the ending.
I don't remember him saying that. I must have missed that part.
The mechanic had to order the part from the manufacturer.
The parts of a radio include the speaker, dials, and antenna.
Do you have any spare parts for this model of car?
the moving parts of the machine
parts of the human body
My favorite part of the chicken is the drumstick.
a diagram labeling the different parts of the flower
Come join us and be part of a winning team.
Verb
The crowd parted to let the president through.
The rain stopped and the clouds parted.
The big red curtains parted to reveal a new car!
The Bible tells the story of how God parted the Red Sea.
She closed her eyes and parted her lips.
She parts her hair on the side.
His dark hair was parted down the middle.
The two lovers parted at dawn.
Tomorrow we shall part and, I fear, never see each other again.
She couldn't bear the thought of parting from her family.
Adverb
The story is part science and part fiction.
The Chimera is a monster in Greek mythology that is part lion, part goat, and part serpent.
Adjective
The claim is a part truth—there is more to the story than they are telling you.
See More
Recent Examples on the WebBen Volin, BostonGlobe.com, 18 Sep. 2023
Others, including the Vatican, have argued his diplomacy saved lives in part by preventing a Nazi backlash.
—Sammy Westfall, Washington Post, 18 Sep. 2023
That’s not a part of anyone’s argument, Mr. President.
—NBC News, 17 Sep. 2023
Various storm watches and warnings were in effect for coastal parts of Maine, New Hampshire and the Canadian Maritime Provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, as the storm moved in on Nova Scotia.
—Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2023
Meanwhile, Chinese intelligence agents have penetrated many parts of the Taiwanese government over the decades, former U.S. intelligence officials say.
—Edward Wong, New York Times, 17 Sep. 2023
As part of the fallout, National Book awards rescinded Barrymore’s invitation to host its upcoming annual award ceremony.
—Elizabeth Wagmeister, Variety, 17 Sep. 2023
In fact, the staffing of any Social Security field office was determined, in part, by the number of claims taken.
—Tom Margenau, Dallas News, 17 Sep. 2023
As part of that, the college instructors observed and taught lessons to teenagers participating in a summer program being hosted at the same time at Harvard.
—Daniel Mollenkamp, USA TODAY, 6 Sep. 2023
Marci Robin, Allure, 13 Sep. 2023
Before guests parted from their seats and into the rainy night (not at all in any rushed manner as most lingered for much after dessert was served), tasseled hotel keys were dispersed among the tables, each thoughtfully engraved with guests’ names—a creative approach to the traditional gift bag.
—Jamila Stewart, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2023
The script hardly requires much nuance, though, and a parting slurp of sentimentality doesn’t compensate.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 7 Sep. 2023
Bieber kept her cinnamon cookie butter bob (which appears to be freshly trimmed—little refresh moment, á la Zendaya?) parted on the side, because side parts will never die, Gen Z be darned!
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 28 Aug. 2023
Back then, Tyler was just some Tallahassee kid with curly brown locks who couldn’t be parted from his friends or his trusty hoverboard.
—M.t. Richards, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2023
Don’t part too much hair For those with kinkier hair, their baby hairs might rest beneath the canopy of their afro.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 24 Aug. 2023
She was also inspired by paintings of Roman women and would incorporate looks that included parting in the middle and a bun made of braids.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 7 Aug. 2023
The clouds parted over much of Southern California on Monday as residents, emergency responders and government officials began to assess just how hard Tropical Storm Hilary hit the region.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 22 Aug. 2023
David Allen, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2018
Anne D'innocenzio, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2023
Her mother, Geraldine (Cummings) Blair, was a homemaker who worked part time in a local Christmas shop and as a library volunteer.
—Richard Sandomir, New York Times, 28 July 2023
According to a news release, an applicant may be studying full or part time.
—Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2023
Nantucket has always been part fantasyland, part economic miracle.
—William Cohan, Town & Country, 7 June 2023
After Shari Swanson wrote the new book, publisher Sleeping Bear Press asked artist Graef, who grew up here and still lives part time in Milwaukee, to depict Gertie and her brood — and the throngs of Milwaukeeans who came down to the bridge to gawk at the mallards.
—Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 25 May 2023
Basil Chives Cilantro/Coriander Comfrey Dill Fennel Lavender Oregano Parsley Rosemary Sage Salad Burnet What are the Herbs Grow in Part Shade? Plants that grow best in part shade can take full sun during the morning when the sun isn't as intense but prefer to be shaded from direct afternoon sun.
—Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 May 2023
The crew's hardcore enthusiasm and technical knowledge—evident during in-depth, multi-part testing for hot new products—may turn you into a full-on expert.—Jordan Minor Marques Brownlee(Opens in a new window) is one of the top tech personalities on YouTube, and for good reason.
—Pcmag Staff, PCMAG, 11 Mar. 2023
Band members pluck twangy tunes on stringed instruments, such as the mandolin, five-string banjo, and the upright bass, often soundtracking multi-part harmonies.
—Lauren Hubbard, Town & Country, 9 Mar. 2023
See More
Noun
Without Jones, rookie Christian Gonzalez will likely be part of a collective attempt to slow down the Dolphins’ top receiver.
—Ben Volin, BostonGlobe.com, 18 Sep. 2023
Others, including the Vatican, have argued his diplomacy saved lives in part by preventing a Nazi backlash.
—Sammy Westfall, Washington Post, 18 Sep. 2023
That’s not a part of anyone’s argument, Mr. President.
—NBC News, 17 Sep. 2023
Various storm watches and warnings were in effect for coastal parts of Maine, New Hampshire and the Canadian Maritime Provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, as the storm moved in on Nova Scotia.
—Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2023
Meanwhile, Chinese intelligence agents have penetrated many parts of the Taiwanese government over the decades, former U.S. intelligence officials say.
—Edward Wong, New York Times, 17 Sep. 2023
As part of the fallout, National Book awards rescinded Barrymore’s invitation to host its upcoming annual award ceremony.
—Elizabeth Wagmeister, Variety, 17 Sep. 2023
In fact, the staffing of any Social Security field office was determined, in part, by the number of claims taken.
—Tom Margenau, Dallas News, 17 Sep. 2023
As part of that, the college instructors observed and taught lessons to teenagers participating in a summer program being hosted at the same time at Harvard.
—Daniel Mollenkamp, USA TODAY, 6 Sep. 2023
Verb
She was seen leaving a BBC studio on Monday with nearly waist-length, chocolate-brown hair that was parted in the middle and topped off with a white, stretchy headband that matched her monochromatic outfit.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 13 Sep. 2023
Before guests parted from their seats and into the rainy night (not at all in any rushed manner as most lingered for much after dessert was served), tasseled hotel keys were dispersed among the tables, each thoughtfully engraved with guests’ names—a creative approach to the traditional gift bag.
—Jamila Stewart, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2023
The script hardly requires much nuance, though, and a parting slurp of sentimentality doesn’t compensate.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 7 Sep. 2023
Bieber kept her cinnamon cookie butter bob (which appears to be freshly trimmed—little refresh moment, á la Zendaya?) parted on the side, because side parts will never die, Gen Z be darned!
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 28 Aug. 2023
Back then, Tyler was just some Tallahassee kid with curly brown locks who couldn’t be parted from his friends or his trusty hoverboard.
—M.t. Richards, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2023
Don’t part too much hair For those with kinkier hair, their baby hairs might rest beneath the canopy of their afro.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 24 Aug. 2023
She was also inspired by paintings of Roman women and would incorporate looks that included parting in the middle and a bun made of braids.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 7 Aug. 2023
The clouds parted over much of Southern California on Monday as residents, emergency responders and government officials began to assess just how hard Tropical Storm Hilary hit the region.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 22 Aug. 2023
Adverb
François Girard’s take — part mysterious, part mystifying — on Wagner’s last opera is one of the Met’s most interesting productions of the last decade or so, and returns for the first time since its premiere in 2013.
—David Allen, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2018
Adjective
Now, after a four-year hiatus, the lingerie brand came back Wednesday night with a complete overhaul that was part fashion event and part preview of a documentary-style film featuring 20 global creatives.
—Anne D'innocenzio, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2023
Her mother, Geraldine (Cummings) Blair, was a homemaker who worked part time in a local Christmas shop and as a library volunteer.
—Richard Sandomir, New York Times, 28 July 2023
According to a news release, an applicant may be studying full or part time.
—Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2023
Nantucket has always been part fantasyland, part economic miracle.
—William Cohan, Town & Country, 7 June 2023
After Shari Swanson wrote the new book, publisher Sleeping Bear Press asked artist Graef, who grew up here and still lives part time in Milwaukee, to depict Gertie and her brood — and the throngs of Milwaukeeans who came down to the bridge to gawk at the mallards.
—Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 25 May 2023
Basil Chives Cilantro/Coriander Comfrey Dill Fennel Lavender Oregano Parsley Rosemary Sage Salad Burnet What are the Herbs Grow in Part Shade? Plants that grow best in part shade can take full sun during the morning when the sun isn't as intense but prefer to be shaded from direct afternoon sun.
—Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 May 2023
The crew's hardcore enthusiasm and technical knowledge—evident during in-depth, multi-part testing for hot new products—may turn you into a full-on expert.—Jordan Minor Marques Brownlee(Opens in a new window) is one of the top tech personalities on YouTube, and for good reason.
—Pcmag Staff, PCMAG, 11 Mar. 2023
Band members pluck twangy tunes on stringed instruments, such as the mandolin, five-string banjo, and the upright bass, often soundtracking multi-part harmonies.
—Lauren Hubbard, Town & Country, 9 Mar. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'part.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Noun
Middle English, from Anglo-French & Old English, both from Latin part-, pars; perhaps akin to Latin parare to prepare — more at pare
Verb
Middle English, from Anglo-French partir, from Latin partire to divide, from part-, pars
First Known Use
Noun
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)
Verb
13th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a
Adverb
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Adjective
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of part was
before the 12th century
Phrases Containing part
Articles Related to part
Dictionary Entries Near part
Cite this Entry
“Part.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/part. Accessed 21 Sep. 2023.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
part
1 of 3 noun1
a
: one of the pieces into which something can be divided
b
: one of the equal units of which something is composed
a fifth part for each
d
: a particular melody or line of music for one voice or instrument or a certain group of voices or instruments in harmony with others
e
: a piece of a machine or equipment
2
: a person's share, duty, or function
did my part
3
: one of the sides in a conflict
take another's part in a quarrel
4
: a general area : region
—usually used in plural
you're not from around these parts
5
: a role in a play
6
: the line where the hair is divided in combing
part
2 of 3 verb1
: to separate from or leave someone : go away : depart
2
: to become separated, detached, or broken
the ice parted
3
: to give up possession or control
wouldn't part with their old car
4
a
: to divide into parts
b
: to separate by combing on each side of a line
part
3 of 3 adverb
: partly
was only part right
Medical Definition
part
noun1
: one of several or many like units into which something is divided or of which it is composed : a proportional division or ingredient
mix the powder with three parts of water
2
: a portion of an animal body: as
b
: an indefinite area or one lacking or not considered in respect to a natural boundary
bathe the affected part with warm water
More from Merriam-Webster on part
Nglish: Translation of part for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of part for Arabic Speakers
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