at about

Idioms  

1. At approximately, as in We'll start at about nine. This phrase, most often used with respect to time (as at about four o'clock), is sometimes criticized for being redundant. Although one of the two words sometimes can be omitted without changing the meaning—for example, About four o'clock is when most guests will arrive —in other instances both are needed, as in This stock is now selling at about its original offering price. [Early 1800s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

at about

Although the Channel tunnel is used only at about 50 percent capacity, previous rival bids for a new service on the line have hit hurdles including regulation and restricted station capacity.

From Barron's ● Aug. 17, 2026

“He lived here in the apartment complex, then barricaded himself into the apartment all day. They were able to get him out at about 3:30,” neighbor Kathy Kennedy told KTLA-TV after the incident.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 17, 2026

The collision occurred on on the M9 Northbound at Junction 3 at about 03:00 local time on Sunday.

From BBC ● Aug. 16, 2026

Expectations for a rate hike at the Fed’s September meeting were at about 33% on Sunday, according to CME’s FedWatch tool.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 16, 2026

On a scale of one to ten on the “I'm done” meter, I'm at about fifty.

From "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas