abut

verb

ə-ˈbət How to pronounce abut (audio)
abutted; abutting
Synonyms of abutnext

transitive verb

1
: to border on : to touch along an edge
Their property abuts our land.
2
: to cause to touch or lean for support
abut a timber against a post

intransitive verb

1
: to touch along a border or with a projecting part
a parcel of land that abuts on the road
2
a
: to terminate at a point of contact
b
: to lean for support

Synonyms

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Examples of abut in a Sentence

Their property and our property abut. our land abuts a nature preserve, so we see a lot of wildlife
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 small rectangle of land near the Mississippi River abuts a chemical plant that emits foul-smelling gases. — Sharon Lerner, ProPublica, 6 Mar. 2025 The amenities continue in the fully hedged backyard, where there’s a pool and spa abutting the separate guesthouse with its own kitchen and living area. — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 4 Mar. 2025 On a map, Marlowe’s hunting grounds abut or overlap with Archer’s, yet the moods of their investigations are quite distinct. — Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025 The furnishings are very spare, with a single couch abutting a desk and computer in the living room. — Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for abut

Word History

Etymology

Middle English abutten, borrowed from Anglo-French abuter, from a-, verb-forming prefix (going back to Latin ad- ad-) + bout, but "push, thrust, blow, end, extremity," noun derivative from bouter, boter "to push, thrust, strike" — more at butt entry 3

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of abut was in the 14th century

Rhymes for abut

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Browse Nearby Words

abut
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Cite this Entry

“Abut.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abut. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

abut

verb
ə-ˈbət How to pronounce abut (audio)
abutted; abutting
: to touch along a border or with a part that sticks out
abutter noun

Legal Definition

abut

verb
ə-ˈbət How to pronounce abut (audio)
abutted; abutting

intransitive verb

: to touch along a border or with a projecting part
—used with on, upon, or against
the land abuts on the road

transitive verb

: to border on : reach or touch with an end
two lots that abut each other

More from Merriam-Webster on abut

Nglish: Translation of abut for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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