little by little

adverb

Synonyms of little by littlenext
: by small degrees or amounts : gradually

Examples of little by little in a Sentence

little by little, we pieced together the jigsaw puzzle
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.
The birth at the San Diego Zoo is just one deer — but little by little, a little becomes a lot. Ryan Brennan april 24, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026 Consequently, in the 1980s, the ideas and ideals embodied in the New World Information and Communication Order debates and the MacBride Report were little by little stowed away as free market and globalization became the key words in a new digital communication era. Stijn Joye, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Apr. 2026 Add heat little by little and the slow burn results in a tender piece of meat without the mess of frying oil. Amanda Favazza, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2026 Back Away Slowly Retreat little by little. Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 5 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for little by little

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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

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Cite this Entry

“Little by little.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/little%20by%20little. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

little by little

adverb
: by small steps or amounts : gradually
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