mostly
Americanadverb
-
for the most part; in the main.
The work is mostly done.
-
chiefly; principally.
-
generally; customarily.
adverb
-
almost entirely; chiefly
-
on many or most occasions; usually
Etymology
Origin of mostly
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The team found that motor control in fruit flies mostly occurs locally.
From Science Daily • Jun. 10, 2026
The filmmakers got current members to talk, though mostly they try to explain away everything unsavory.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026
The arrangement of Noguchi’s sculptural set pieces—some heavy and solid, others linear and light, alongside Graham’s mostly form-fitting costumes—evokes spare landscapes framing theatrical fashion.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026
Investors were mostly looking for detailed information about the launch of Siri AI, the company’s long awaited update to its Siri chatbot that runs on Apple Intelligence.
From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026
Bell wants mostly to make sure I can use my voice to smile.
From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
