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little by little

adverb

: by small degrees or amounts : gradually

Examples of little by little in a Sentence

little by little, we pieced together the jigsaw puzzle
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The balance is so spot on, so that this will reveal its glories little by little over the next 20-25 years. Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025 The package is an attempt by Republicans to undo, little by little, the signature domestic achievements of the past two Democratic presidents: President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act and President Joe Biden's Inflation Reduction Act. Arkansas Online, 8 June 2025 On the front line in Ukraine, the Russian army progresses little by little—this is their main objective. Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025 This tends to keep damage localized as cracks spread little by little rather than one clean break. Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 26 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for little by little

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of little by little was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Little by little.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/little%20by%20little. Accessed 24 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

little by little

adverb
: by small steps or amounts : gradually
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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