respective

adjective

re·​spec·​tive ri-ˈspek-tiv How to pronounce respective (audio)
1
: particular, separate
their respective homes
2
obsolete : partial, discriminative
respectiveness noun

Examples of respective in a Sentence

it was late when the concert let out, so we all went our respective ways
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.
However, the vast majority of commenters also noted that the couple needs to set firm guidelines about their respective roles as parents. Meredith Wilshere, People.com, 21 June 2025 And in the last inning of the last one of those games Thursday night, the mounting tensions between the clubs — and their respective managers — finally ignited into a benches-clearing confrontation. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025 Eventually, order was restored, and both teams returned to their respective dugouts, but Shildt and Roberts were both ejected from the game. Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2025 And someone from among Reed Sheppard, Ron Holland, Rob Dillingham or Nikola Topić is likely to earn a rotational role on their respective teams next season. David Aldridge, New York Times, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for respective

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of respective was in 1597

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Respective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respective. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

respective

adjective
re·​spec·​tive ri-ˈspek-tiv How to pronounce respective (audio)
: not the same or shared : separate
they hurried to their respective homes

More from Merriam-Webster on respective

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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