piecemeal

1 of 2

adverb

piece·​meal ˈpēs-ˌmēl How to pronounce piecemeal (audio)
-ˈmēl
1
: one piece at a time : gradually
2
: in pieces or fragments : apart

piecemeal

2 of 2

adjective

: done, made, or accomplished piece by piece or in a fragmentary way
piecemeal reforms in the system

Examples of piecemeal in a Sentence

Adverb remodeled their house piecemeal because of budgetary constraints one well-aimed blow ripped the piñata piecemeal Adjective They've done piecemeal repairs in the past, but the bridge now needs major reconstruction. Some people want the changes to be made all at once, but I think we should take a more piecemeal approach.
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
Despite its importance, the back office is often an afterthought—built piecemeal and propped up by loyal employees and aging tech. Sudhir Menon, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025 Instead, the company is releasing features piecemeal, first in October and again in December. Emily Forlini, PC Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Instead of piecemeal solutions, hyperscalers should partner with specialists who bring real-world insights and continuous learning across the entire AI infrastructure ecosystem. Baratunde Cola, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 But petitions too often are ineffective, performative and piecemeal tools of reform. David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for piecemeal

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1593, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Piecemeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/piecemeal. Accessed 16 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

piecemeal

1 of 2 adverb
piece·​meal ˈpē-ˌsmēl How to pronounce piecemeal (audio)
1
: one piece at a time : gradually
2
: in pieces : apart

piecemeal

2 of 2 adjective
: done, made, or accomplished piece by piece or in an incomplete way
piecemeal reforms

More from Merriam-Webster on piecemeal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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