give or take

phrase

: as an estimate accurate within (an amount to be added or subtracted)
weighs 150 pounds, give or take a few pounds

Examples of give or take in a Sentence

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.
Riksgransen, population 60 (give or take), stands as Sweden’s northernmost ski resort, where adrenaline-seeking snowboarders and daredevils gather during the winter months for 360-degree heli-skiing. — Michelle Tchea, Robb Report, 27 Aug. 2026 Current estimates based on all that, plus filming timelines from season 1, that could mean something around a July 2028 release date, give or take a month. — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 Recently, astronomers have been finding that some of these objects are placed within the center of young galaxies whose light has been traveling for about 12 billion years, give or take a billion, to reach us. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 12 Aug. 2026 In exchange for 10 starts of Ray over the next two months, give or take, the Giants got two prospects worth dreaming on. — Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for give or take

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of give or take was in 1958

Rhymes for give or take

See All Rhymes for give or take

Browse Nearby Words

give on to
give or take
give out
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Give or take.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/give%20or%20take. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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