: indicating a quantity whose algebraically positive and negative values serve to bracket a range of values either alone or when added to and subtracted from a given number
measured with an accuracy of plus or minus 3 feet
: more or less, approximately
a dance for singles plus or minus age 30
Examples of plus or minus in a Sentence
Adverb
I have plus or minus five dollars in change.
Recent Examples on the Web
Christopher Buchanan,
Los Angeles Times,
26 June 2026
According to Change Research’s methodology statement, the poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 3%.
—
Matthew Kelly
updated June 26,
Kansas City Star,
26 June 2026
Jay Adkisson,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2023
With only about 340 individuals — plus or minus seven — remaining, according to a report released in the fall by the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium, the whales are VIP visitors to the region's waters.
—
Heather McCarron,
USA TODAY,
6 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for plus or minus
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Adjective
The Feeneys oscillated between C and B over the years, a plus or minus coming depending on how much time had passed since the founding.
—
Christopher Buchanan,
Los Angeles Times,
26 June 2026
According to Change Research’s methodology statement, the poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 3%.
—
Matthew Kelly
updated June 26,
Kansas City Star,
26 June 2026
Adverb
Here, purchaser simply put money in, and got money back, plus or minus their investment return, and less fees and expenses.
—
Jay Adkisson,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2023
With only about 340 individuals — plus or minus seven — remaining, according to a report released in the fall by the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium, the whales are VIP visitors to the region's waters.
—
Heather McCarron,
USA TODAY,
6 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for plus or minus
Cite this Entry
“Plus or minus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plus%20or%20minus. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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