by itself
idiom
1
: without being directly controlled by a person : automatically
The computer shuts off by itself if you haven't used it for a while.
The sprinkler will turn on by itself.
2
: with nothing nearby : alone
The house stood by itself at the end of the street.
Examples of by itself in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Even a rocker in the corner was moved bedside during the night and seen rocking by itself by former guests.
—
Julie Jordan, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024
No surprise that all three Avengers movies are there, plus Civil War, which was sort of a mini Avengers movie by itself.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
Impressively, the electric motor delivers 325 lb-ft by itself, meaning the two-row SUV feels quick in Electric drive mode, obviously quicker than when matting the accelerator in Hybrid or Sport mode.
—Nina Turner, Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2024
It can be found by itself or as a combination product with other amino acids or compounds.
—Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 27 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for by itself 
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.
Julie Jordan, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024
No surprise that all three Avengers movies are there, plus Civil War, which was sort of a mini Avengers movie by itself.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
Impressively, the electric motor delivers 325 lb-ft by itself, meaning the two-row SUV feels quick in Electric drive mode, obviously quicker than when matting the accelerator in Hybrid or Sport mode.
—Nina Turner, Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2024
It can be found by itself or as a combination product with other amino acids or compounds.
—Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 27 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for by itself
Dictionary Entries Near by itself
Cite this Entry
“By itself.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20itself. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share