whereabouts

[ hwair-uh-bouts, wair- ]

adverb

1. about where? where?

conjunction

1. near or in what place:

   trying to find whereabouts in the world we were.

noun

1. (used with a singular or plural verb) the place where a person or thing is; the locality of a person or thing:

   no clue as to his whereabouts.

whereabouts

/ ˈwɛərəˌbaʊts /

adverb

1. Alsowhereabout at what approximate location or place; where

   whereabouts are you?

2. obsolete.
   about or concerning which

noun

1. functioning as singular or plural the place, esp the approximate place, where a person or thing is

Word History and Origins

Origin of whereabouts¹

1400–50; late Middle English wheraboutes, equivalent to Middle English wheraboute ( whereabout ) + -s -s ¹

Example Sentences

Over the years, the Eritrean government has provided no information on his whereabouts or health, and many who were jailed alongside him are presumed dead.

From BBC

Their families are often left in the dark about their whereabouts.

From BBC

In an attempt to track his whereabouts, Los Angeles Police Department detectives served a search warrant on the contractor that operates Warren’s GPS monitor.

From Los Angeles Times

Austin’s alleged conspirators have been behind bars for more than five years, but until recently Austin’s identity and whereabouts had been unknown.

From Los Angeles Times

LeMaistre alleges that when she came to, she was on a bed with the Grammy-nominated producer on top of her and was uncertain about her whereabouts.

From Los Angeles Times