whereabouts

American  

[hwair-uh-bouts, wair-] / ˈʰwɛər əˌbaʊts, ˈwɛər- /

adverb

1. about where? where?

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conjunction

1. near or in what place.

   trying to find whereabouts in the world we were.

noun

1. (used with a singular or plural verb) the place where a person or thing is; the locality of a person or thing.

   no clue as to his whereabouts.

whereabouts British  

/ ˈwɛərəˌbaʊts /

adverb

1. Also: whereabout.  at what approximate location or place; where

   whereabouts are you?

2. obsolete about or concerning which

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noun

1. (functioning as singular or plural) the place, esp the approximate place, where a person or thing is

Etymology

Origin of whereabouts

1400–50; late Middle English wheraboutes, equivalent to Middle English wheraboute ( whereabout ) + -s -s ¹

Example Sentences

Michael Abatti’s attorneys declined to comment on his health or current whereabouts.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

But in the weeks that followed, details of his whereabouts were shrouded in mystery - until he stepped off a flight in Bali.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

Since then, the mystery surrounding Khamenei’s whereabouts and well-being has only deepened.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 21, 2026

“Someone knows Omar Cardenas’ whereabouts and we’re encouraging anyone with information to please come forward.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

Nok had followed the clues she’d picked up from the young woman at the chicken stand, circling closer and closer to Pong's whereabouts.

From "A Wish in the Dark" by Christina Soontornvat