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reportedly

American  
[ri-pawr-tid-lee, -pohr-] / rɪˈpɔr tɪd li, -ˈpoʊr- /

adverb

  1. according to report or rumor.

    Reportedly, he is a billionaire.


reportedly British  
/ rɪˈpɔːtɪdlɪ /

adverb

  1. according to rumour or report

    he is reportedly living in Australia

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of reportedly

First recorded in 1900–05; report + -ed 2 + -ly

Explanation

When something is reportedly true, it means people say it's true, but it hasn't necessarily been confirmed. If your favorite band is reportedly coming to town, it may just be an unfounded rumor. The word reportedly implies that information has been shared by others, but it hasn't been officially verified. For example, if someone says they've heard that a new movie is in the works, but there's no official announcement yet, then it is reportedly happening. Using the word reportedly helps indicate that the details are not certain, reminding us to take such news with a grain of caution until all the facts are in.

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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.

Meta Platforms is reportedly planning yet another round of layoffs as the company aims to tighten its focus on artificial intelligence.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026

He has been linked with La Liga leaders Barcelona, Serie A side Juventus and clubs in the United States, while Ligue 1 leaders Paris St-Germain have reportedly, external been suitors in the past.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is reportedly preparing to pull back funding for LIV Golf, creating uncertainty for players.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Shortly after those allegations surfaced, a TV host in Georgia also reportedly accused the singer of harassing her that same year at an industry party.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

On first hearing Miss Leep’s news he merely rolled his eyes, as if two dogs in his yard had reportedly been caught whistling “Dixie.”

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver