been around

phrase

: gone through many varied experiences : become worldly-wise
He knows what he's talking about; he's been around.

Examples of been around in a Sentence

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 group has been around since 1976 and has 47 properties across 28 countries. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026 All-electric aircraft that run on electric motors powered exclusively by batteries have been around for over half a century, and some have even been certified since 2020. David Szondy august 13, New Atlas, 14 Aug. 2026 Cocktail glasses have been around nearly as long as mixed drinks themselves, evolving alongside the rituals and celebrations built around them. Mina Dragani, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2026 While transhipment has been around for decades, the practice ramped up in 2018, when the president in his first term imposed tariffs on more than $250 billion worth of Chinese goods. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for been around

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of been around was in 1872

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Cite this Entry

“Been around.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/been%20around. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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