whereabouts
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈwɛrəˌbaʊts/
KK: /ˈwɛrəˌbaʊts/
adverb
Definition
This word refers to the location or place where someone or something is.
Example
Can you tell me the whereabouts of the missing keys?
Conversation
Hey, do you know the whereabouts of that new café in town?
Yeah, it's just around the corner from the park!
Oh great! I was curious about its whereabouts because I've heard good things.
You should definitely check it out; the coffee is amazing!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
location
place
site
Antonyms
nowhere
absence
void
conjunction
Definition
A word used to ask about the location or position of someone or something.
Example
Can you tell me the whereabouts of the missing keys?
Conversation
Hey, do you know the whereabouts of Sarah?
I think she went to the coffee shop down the street.
Oh, really? I wanted to catch up with her there.
noun
Definition
The general location or position of someone or something, often used when the exact place is not known.
Example
The police are trying to find out her whereabouts after she went missing.
Conversation
Have you heard anything about Sarah's whereabouts lately?
Not really, I haven't seen her in a while.
I hope she's okay; her whereabouts have been a bit concerning.
Root Explanation
Whereabouts → The word is formed from "where" (from Old English "hwær", meaning at what place) and "abouts" (from Old English "abūtan", meaning around or about). The term "whereabouts" refers to the location or place where someone or something is situated or can be found.
Memory Tip
Think of 'where' as asking about a place and 'abouts' as indicating the area around it — together, they help you remember that 'whereabouts' means the location or area where something is.
Visually Confused Words
thereabouts
hereabout
whenabouts