among

American  

[uh-muhng] / əˈmʌŋ /

preposition

1. in, into, or through the midst of; in association or connection with; surrounded by.

   He was among friends.

2. in the midst of, so as to influence.

   missionary work among the local people.

3. with a share for each of.

   Divide the cigars among you.

4. in the number, class, or group of; of or out of.

   That is among the things we must do.

5. by all or with the whole of; by most or with many of.

   popular among the people.

6. by the joint or reciprocal action of.

   Settle it among yourselves.

7. each with the other; mutually.

   They quarreled among themselves.

8. familiar to or characteristic of.

   a proverb among the Spanish.

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among British  

/ əˈmʌŋ /

preposition

1. in the midst of

   he lived among the Indians

2. to each of

   divide the reward among yourselves

3. in the group, class, or number of

   ranked among the greatest writers

4. taken out of (a group)

   he is only one among many

5. with one another within a group; by the joint action of

   a lot of gossip among the women employees

   decide it among yourselves

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Commonly Confused

See between.

Etymology

Origin of among

First recorded before 1000; Middle English, Old English amang, onmang for on gemang, on gemonge (dative singular of gemong “crowd,” akin to mengan “to mix”) “in (the) group (of)”; akin to mingle

Example Sentences

Free, largely confidential and available 24 hours a day via call, text or online chat, the 988 Lifeline — formerly the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline — is among the most accessible and effective suicide prevention tools in the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

Snow across California’s Sierra Nevada measured just 18% of average Monday — among the smallest in decades.

From Los Angeles Times

Among California Republicans, 45% said no, 38% said yes, and 17% said they have no opinion.

From Los Angeles Times

Among racial and ethnic groups, 62% of Latino voters, 46% of Black voters and 43% of Asian or Pacific Islander voters said they are somewhat or very concerned.

From Los Angeles Times

Mora said the high concern among Black residents is notable because, while most Black Californians aren’t immigrants themselves, Los Angeles has one of the largest concentrations of Blaxicans — the children of one Black parent and one Latino parent.

From Los Angeles Times