plus or minus

1 of 2

adjective

: indicating a quantity whose algebraically positive and negative values serve to bracket a range of values either alone or when added to and subtracted from a given number
measured with an accuracy of plus or minus 3 feet

plus or minus

2 of 2

adverb

: more or less, approximately
a dance for singles plus or minus age 30

Examples of plus or minus in a Sentence

Adverb I have plus or minus five dollars in change.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
The margin of error was plus or minus 2.5 percentage points. Matt Day, Fortune, 16 May 2024 The online poll of 600 likely voters was conducted by Aspect Strategic between April 30 and May 2 on behalf of the Colorado Education Association; the results were weighted to reflect likely turnout in November and had a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points. Nick Coltrain, The Denver Post, 15 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for plus or minus 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'plus or minus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1926, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1849, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of plus or minus was in 1849

Dictionary Entries Near plus or minus

Cite this Entry

“Plus or minus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plus%20or%20minus. Accessed 20 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

plus or minus

adjective
: indicating a quantity whose positive and negative values establish the limits of a range of values
measured with an accuracy of plus or minus 1 gram
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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