respectively

adverb re·spec·tive·ly \ ri-ˈspek-tiv-lē \

Updated on: 18 Apr 2018

Definition of respectively

1 : in particular : separately

could not recognize the solutions as salty or sour, respectively

2 : in the order given

Mary and Anne were respectively 12 and 16 years old

See respectively defined for kids

Recent Examples of respectively from the Web

John and Carolyn Jackson's 2015 sentences of probation and two years, respectively, were thrown out by an appeals court.

— Fox News, "More prison time for ex-Army mother in child abuse case," 13 Apr. 2018
Rooms from $125 weekday and $139 weekend, and cottages from $161 and $179, respectively, excluding 10 percent occupancy tax.

— San Francisco Chronicle, "Suite Spot: Monarch Cove Inn, Santa Cruz," 10 Apr. 2018
For the junior senators from Vermont and California, respectively, this past week wasn't quite a wreck.

— gregory krieg, CNN, "Sanders and Harris crossed the base. What will it cost them?," 8 Apr. 2018
Today, Robin and Doug Manry, 66 and 63 respectively, are ecstatic about the film that honors their father and family.

— michael heaton, cleveland.com, "Cleveland International Film Festival: 'Manry at Sea' documentary wows kids of solo Atlantic sailor," 1 Apr. 2018
Being African-American and female, respectively, wouldn’t hurt their causes either.

— chris smith, The Hive, "“I Just Wish You Were Not with Pelosi”: The War to Oust Pelosi Is Already Raging . . . on the Left," 30 Mar. 2018
Backing Scherzer in the rotation are Strasburg and Gio Gonzalez, who finshed third and sixth, respectively, in last year's Cy Young voting.

— tom groeschen, Cincinnati.com, "Cincinnati Reds fans would be thrilled to win 97 games, but in Washington that might get you fired," 30 Mar. 2018
New York ranked below such cities as Portland, Ore.; Denver; Orlando, Fla.; Philadelphia and Indianapolis, which claimed the top five spots, respectively.

— charles passy, WSJ, "Why Isn’t New York More Habitable For Food Trucks?," 26 Mar. 2018
The actors, David Eigenberg and Lynn Cohen, respectively, voiced their support for Nixon's run.

— meagan fredette, refinery29.com, "Don't Worry, The Most Important SATC Characters Are Voting For Miranda," 24 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'respectively.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of respectively

1602

Learn More about respectively

Nglish: Translation of respectively for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of respectively for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up respectively? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

respectively

Definition of respectively

Recent Examples of respectively from the Web

First Known Use of respectively

Learn More about respectively

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

grudging

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Words We're Watching: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

Where 'Cliff-hangers' Come From

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Words of the Year: 1066

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

More Confusing Words—Quiz

Spell It

Add Diction

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

respectively

Definition of respectively

Recent Examples of respectively from the Web

First Known Use of respectively

Learn More about respectively

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes