preposition

Definition FAQs Example Sentences Word History

preposition noun
prep·o·si·tion ˌpre-pə-ˈzi-shən

: a function word that typically combines with a noun phrase to form a phrase
which usually expresses a modification or predication

prepositional ˌpre-pə-ˈzish-nəl ˌpre-pə-ˈzi-shə-nᵊl adjective

prepositionally adverb
:
 Frequently Asked Questions

Can you end a sentence with a preposition?

There is nothing wrong with ending a sentence in a preposition like to, with,
for, or at. English speakers have been doing so since the days of Old English.
The people who claim that a terminal preposition is wrong are clinging to an
idea born in the 17th century and largely abandoned by grammar and usage
experts in the early 20th.

What exactly is a preposition?

A preposition is a word—and almost always a very small, very common word—
that shows direction (to in "a letter to you"), location (at in "at the door"), or
time (by in "by noon"), or that introduces an object (of in "a basket of apples").
Prepositions are typically followed by an object, which can be a noun (noon), a
noun phrase (the door), or a pronoun (you).

What is an example of a preposition?

The most common prepositions are at, by, for, from, in, of, on, to, and with.
Other common prepositions are about, above, across, after, against, along,
among, around, because of, before, behind, below, beneath, beside, between, close
to, down, during, except, inside, instead of, into, like, near, off, on top of, onto, out
of, outside, over, past, since, through, toward, under, until, up, upon, within,
without.

Examples of preposition in a Sentence

The preposition “on” in “The keys are on the table” shows location.
:
 The preposition “in” in “The movie starts in one hour” shows time.

Recent Examples on the Web

Binomial idiom This idiom is a phrase that contains two words joined by a
conjunction or a preposition.
Kurt Snibbe, Orange County Register, 19 Jan. 2024

People have invested a lot of time in finding ways to not end clauses and
sentences with prepositions.
Emma Bowman, NPR, 27 Feb. 2024

Prepositional idiom This idiom is a phrase that combines a verb and a preposition
to create a verb with a distinct meaning.
Kurt Snibbe, Orange County Register, 19 Jan. 2024

See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate
current usage of the word 'preposition.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not
represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
:
 Word History

Etymology

Middle English preposicioun, from Anglo-French preposicion, from Latin

praeposition-, praepositio, from praeponere to put in front, from prae- pre- +
ponere to put — more at POSITION

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of preposition was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

:
 Articles Related to preposition

Commonly Confused Words Quiz

What is a Preposition?

8 Grammar Terms You Used to Know, But...

:
 Video

Ending a Sentence with a Preposition

An old-fashioned rule we can no longer put up with.

Dictionary Entries Near preposition

prepose
preposition
prepositional phrase

See More Nearby Entries

:
 Cite this Entry

Style MLA

“Preposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://w

ww.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preposition. Accessed 2 Apr. 2024.
Copy Citation

Share

Facebook Twitter

Kids Definition

preposition
:
 preposition noun
prep·o·si·tion ˌprep-ə-ˈzish-ən

: a word or group of words that combines with a noun or pronoun to form a

phrase that usually acts as an adverb, adjective, or noun
"with" in "the house with the red door" is a preposition

prepositional -ˈzish-nəl -ən-ᵊl adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on preposition

Nglish: Translation of preposition for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: 14 Mar 2024 - Updated example sentences

Love words? Need even more definitions?

:
 Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions
and advanced search—ad free!

MERRIAM-WEBSTER UNABRIDGED

Can you solve 4 words at

once?

Play
:
 WORD OF THE DAY

ethereal
See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Your email address SUBSCRIBE

:
 Popular in Grammar & Usage

The Tangled History of 'It's' and 'Its'

More Commonly Misspelled Words

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples

See All
:
 Popular in Wordplay

The Words of the Week - Mar. 29

10 Scrabble Words Without Any Vowels

12 More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

8 Uncommon Words Related to Love

9 Superb Owl Words

See All

Games & Quizzes

:
 Quordle
Can you solve 4 words at once?

Play
:
 Blossom Word Game
You can make only 12 words. Pick the best ones!

Play
:
 Missing Letter
A crossword with a twist

Play

Spelling Bee Quiz

Can you outdo past winners of the National Spelli...

Take the quiz

:
 Learn a new word every day. Delivered to your inbox!

Y o u r e m a i l>a d d r e s s

Help About Us Advertising Info Contact Us Diversity Privacy Policy

Terms of Use

© 2024 Merriam-Webster, Incorporated

Information from your device can be used to personalize your ad experience.

Do not sell or share my personal information.

: