besides

1 of 3

preposition

be·​sides bi-ˈsīdz How to pronounce besides (audio)
bē-
1
: other than, except
no one besides us
Nothing besides a miracle could help them.
2
: together with
a decision that, besides being practical, is morally right

besides

2 of 3

adverb

1
: as well : also
serves pizza, pasta, and many other foods besides
2
: moreover, furthermore
I can't go, and besides, I wouldn't go if I could.

besides

3 of 3

adjective

: else
knows a lot about pop culture but very little besides

Examples of besides in a Sentence

Preposition She wants to learn other languages besides English and French. Besides its famous cakes, the bakery also makes delicious breads and cookies. These salads are delicious besides being healthy. I'm not ready to get married yet. Besides which, I enjoy living alone. Adverb They serve pasta and many other foods besides. I'm not ready to get married yet. Besides, I enjoy living alone.
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.
Preposition
But his death had many contributing factors besides being unable to breath while face down on the ground. Kevin Grasha, Cincinnati.com, 2 June 2020 The airline’s crew members and ground services personnel are undergoing detailed health check-ups at regular intervals, besides wearing protective gear at all times. Niharika Sharma, Quartz India, 31 May 2020
Adverb
The Russians are juggling the materiel and manpower demands of the long-running war, punitive Western sanctions, low oil prices, high interest rates, inflation, a labor shortage, endemic corruption, and much more besides. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Nov. 2024 Murderbot wouldn’t care, and besides, there are more books to write. Meghan Herbst, WIRED, 26 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for besides 

Word History

Etymology

Preposition

see beside entry 1

Adverb

see beside entry 1

Adjective

see beside entry 1

First Known Use

Preposition

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1597, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of besides was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near besides

Cite this Entry

“Besides.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/besides. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

besides

1 of 2 preposition
be·​sides bi-ˈsīdz How to pronounce besides (audio)
1
: except for
no one besides me knows about it
2
: in addition to
besides being useful, it looks good

besides

2 of 2 adverb
: in addition : also
had a big dinner and dessert besides

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