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 mostly young demonstrators have occupied the protest site since last month to demand the resignation of India's education minister over exam-paper leaks.
From Barron's ● Jul. 23, 2026
The opening settlement demand by Roh: half of Chey’s assets, which are mostly held in stock of the SK conglomerate’s holding company that also has recently ballooned in value.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026
Most financial advice applies whether you have a lot of money or a little, mostly because it’s so general.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 22, 2026
The gallery mostly follows his instructions as Maduro and Flores were led into the chamber shortly after noon, but some murmured or inhaled breath as he walked past.
From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026
That’s why we mostly stay on the south side.
From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold
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.