respectively

adverb

re·​spec·​tive·​ly ri-ˈspek-tiv-lē How to pronounce respectively (audio)
Synonyms of respectively
1
: in the order given
My cousin and I were respectively 12 and 16 years old.
2
: in particular : separately
could not recognize the solutions as salty or sour, respectively

Examples of respectively 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 lefty missed the 2024 and 2025 seasons due to Tommy John surgery and a triceps injury, respectively. — Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Unbridled spending at a level that blows competitors out of the water, as Chelsea and Manchester City did after takeovers by Roman Abramovich and Sheikh Mansour respectively in the 2000s, is simply not possible in the era of financial regulation. — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026 Farrington and Williams each have just over $16,000 and $7,000 in cash on hand, respectively, according to FEC filings. — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 1 Aug. 2026 Branch library program attendance rose 10% in fiscal 2026 compared with the previous year, while attendance at research libraries increased 6%; overall visits climbed 2% and 4%, respectively, across all ages according to data provided by NYPL. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for respectively

Word History

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of respectively was in 1602

Rhymes for respectively

See All Rhymes for respectively

Browse Nearby Words

respective
respectively
respectiveness
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Cite this Entry

“Respectively.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respectively. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

respectively

adverb
re·​spec·​tive·​ly
ri-ˈspek-tiv-lē
: each in the order given
John and Mary were 12 and 13 years old respectively

More from Merriam-Webster on respectively

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for respectively

Nglish: Translation of respectively for Spanish Speakers

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