perhaps

1 of 2

adverb

per·​haps pər-ˈhaps How to pronounce perhaps (audio)
ˈpraps
: possibly but not certainly : maybe

perhaps

2 of 2

noun

: something open to doubt or conjecture

Examples of perhaps in a Sentence

Adverb perhaps we will not have to take this exam, but I doubt it
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.
Adverb
Now comes perhaps his biggest challenge yet: Taking over a San Jose Earthquakes team that finished last in the entire league and gave up the most goals (78) in MLS history. Harold Gutmann, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024 Despite all this—or perhaps because of it—Trump won a popular majority. Daniel W. Drezner, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2024 Giving an Osprey gift card allows your recipient to pick up the right goods to better their adventures—perhaps an accessory for their new Poco SLT, like a sunshade with SPF 50. Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024 The same is not the case with a Jupiter moon, Europa, perhaps our best chance to find life elsewhere in the solar system. Benjamin Roulston, Discover Magazine, 7 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for perhaps 

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

per + hap

First Known Use

Adverb

circa 1520, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1534, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of perhaps was circa 1520

Dictionary Entries Near perhaps

Cite this Entry

“Perhaps.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perhaps. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

perhaps

adverb
per·​haps
pər-ˈ(h)aps,
ˈpraps
: possibly but not certainly
Etymology

Adverb

from per (preposition) "by, according to" and haps, plural of hap "chance, chance occurrence" — related to happen, happy, mishap

More from Merriam-Webster on perhaps

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!