among

[uh-muhng]

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.

among

/ 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

Confusables Note

See between.

Word History and Origins

Origin of among¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of among¹

Old English amang, contracted from on gemang in the group of, from _on + gemang crowd; see _mingle , _mongrel

Example Sentences

Scouting is among the areas where numbers have been slashed.

From BBC

Among the evidence that was collected from his digital devices was an image he generated on ChatGPT depicting a burning city, said U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

The letter is widely circulating on social media among Ethiopian government supporters.

From BBC

Tactical shortcomings, misguided managers or stellar opponents are among the numerous reasons often cited why England's so-called 'Golden Generation' failed to deliver success on the pitch.

From BBC

Among the relatives of the orchids the Kobe University team studied, there are many species that have independently evolved full mycoheterotrophy, that is, they have abandoned photosynthesis and instead feed on fungi throughout their lives.

From Science Daily