respective

adjective

re·​spec·​tive ri-ˈspek-tiv How to pronounce respective (audio)
1
: particular, separate
their respective homes
2
obsolete : partial, discriminative
respectiveness noun

Examples of respective in a Sentence

it was late when the concert let out, so we all went our respective ways
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.
While their teams, the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers, have been struggling recently, the superstars still have them at or near the top of their respective divisions. Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 14 July 2025 As previously announced, Jessica Madsen and Levi Miller will also star, playing the respective roles of Bloodaxe’s wife Gunnhild, aka the Mother of Kings, and his younger half-brother Haakon the Good. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 14 July 2025 Both Trump and Biden oversaw the confirmation of hundreds of judges during their respective terms, reshaping the federal judiciary and altering the confirmation process. Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 14 July 2025 That should be enough for spirited riding through town and out on the freeway, given the T/TT's respective 443 lb (201 kg) and 447 lb (203 kg) weight figures. New Atlas, 13 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for respective

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of respective was in 1597

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Respective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respective. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

respective

adjective
re·​spec·​tive ri-ˈspek-tiv How to pronounce respective (audio)
: not the same or shared : separate
they hurried to their respective homes

More from Merriam-Webster on respective

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!