verb
abut
uh-BUHT
Abut (verb) means to share a border with, or be right next to, something else. Example: “The garden abuts a small stream at the back of the property.”
verb
1
To share a border with, or be right next to, something else.
"The garden abuts a small stream at the back of the property."
"Their land abuts the national park boundary."
How to use abut
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo be directly next to or touching another piece of land or structure.
Common pairings
abut a property
abutting land
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- abuts
- Past tense
- abutted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The garden _____ a small stream at the back of the property.
Etymology
From Old French abouter, "to touch at one end," built from but, "end" or "goal" — the same root behind the English word butt.
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “abut” mean?
The word “abut” means to share a border with, or be right next to, something else. In plain terms, to be directly next to or touching another piece of land or structure.
How do you pronounce “abut”?
“Abut” is pronounced uh-BUHT (/əˈbʌt/ in IPA).
How do you use “abut” in a sentence?
Here is “abut” used in a sentence: “The garden abuts a small stream at the back of the property.”
What part of speech is “abut”?
“Abut” is a verb.
Where does the word “abut” come from?
The word “abut” comes from Old French. From Old French abouter, "to touch at one end," built from but, "end" or "goal" — the same root behind the English word butt.
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