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

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 notes

In plain EnglishTo be directly next to or touching another piece of land or structure.

Common pairings

abut a property abutting land

Word forms

abutted past tense, abutted past tense, abuts singular, abuts singular

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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.

Origin: Old French

Synonyms

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adjoin border neighbor touch

Related words

feel side bit meet march feeling match contact

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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