without

1 of 4

preposition

1
2
used as a function word to indicate the absence or lack of something or someone
fight without fear
left without him
looks without seeing

without

2 of 4

adverb

1
: on the outside : externally
2
: with something lacking or absent
has learned to do without

without

3 of 4

conjunction

chiefly dialectal
: unless
you don't know about me without you have read a bookMark Twain

without

4 of 4

noun

: an outer place or area
came from without

Examples of without in a Sentence

Preposition Do you take your coffee with or without sugar? Don't leave home without your wallet. Without water, there would be no life on Earth. I can't imagine life without a car. It happened suddenly and without warning. The prisoner will be held without bail until his trial. These cookies are made without flour. Try doing the math without a calculator. I can't see you without my glasses. Adverb Do you take your coffee with sugar or without?
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.
Preposition
Tamra Judge steps up to the line and, like Judge Dredd with hair extensions, knocks down two dozen or so targets in 27 seconds, seemingly without missing a shot. Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 27 Sep. 2025 Generation X was the first to cope without ubiquitous workplace pensions, relying instead on a new savings tool called the 401(k). Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025 And probably without their best player. Mike Cook, Twin Cities, 27 Sep. 2025 Costway Chaise Recliner, Set of Two A chaise lounge offers a comfortable spot to nap, sunbathe, or read outdoors without needing extra cushions and accessories. Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for without

Word History

Etymology

Preposition

Middle English withoute, from Old English withūtan, from with + ūtan outside, from ūt out — more at out entry 1

First Known Use

Preposition

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Conjunction

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of without was before the 12th century

Cite this Entry

“Without.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/without. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

without

1 of 3 preposition
with·​out wit͟h-ˈau̇t How to pronounce without (audio) with- How to pronounce without (audio)
1
a
: outside entry 4 sense 1
they stood without the castle gates
b
: out of the range or limits of
not without our capabilities
2
a
: not having : in the absence of
without food
b
: not accompanied by or showing
spoke without thinking

without

2 of 3 adverb
1
: on the outside
2
: with something lacking or absent
learn to do without

without

3 of 3 noun
: an outer place or area

More from Merriam-Webster on without

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