the best/better/greater part of

phrase

: more than half of (something) : most of (something)

It took us the better part of a week to finish the job.

We've been waiting for the best part of an hour.

They live here for the greater part of the year.

Examples of the best/better/greater part of in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Last season, Hartman’s on-ice altercation with Senators’ Tim Stützle ended with the Minnesota Wild veteran suspended for the better part of a month. — Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 4 Apr. 2026

Now Sihoo has been producing ergonomic office and gaming furniture for the better part of the last 15 years. — New Atlas, 3 Apr. 2026

OMBAS)—the marquee event in the vintage-watch world—for 17 years alongside his business partner, Matthew Bain, who has been a fixture at the show for the better part of three decades. — Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2026

Environmentalists and animal-rights advocates have been trying for the better part of 50 years to persuade people unlike Friedrich to eat less of the stuff—or none at all. — Andrew Zaleski, The Atlantic, 30 Mar. 2026