always used before a noun
1
—used to refer to a person or thing that is not known, named, or specified
Some guy called while you were out.
She works for some company (or other/another) out west.
For some reason, the lights went out.
I tried to offer him some type/sort/kind of payment for the favor.
Could you call back some other time? I'm busy right now.
Some birds cannot fly.
I like some kinds of nuts but not all of them.
Some people believe it and others don't.
2
a
: of an unspecified amount or number
Can I have some water?
I bought some apples.
She had some interest in the job.
I have some money left, but not much.
I hope I've been of some help.
b
: of a fairly large amount or number
Their decision was met with some surprise. [=people were fairly surprised by their decision]
It will be some time [=a considerable amount of time] before she comes back.
We met some years ago.
He spoke at some length about his problems.
3
informal
a
—used to express approval
That was some game! [=that was a very good/enjoyable game]
b
—used to express disapproval, disappointment, etc.
You have some nerve [=a lot of nerve] to say that!
You don't know how to get there? Some navigator you are! [=you're not a good navigator]
Some friend he is—he left me stranded at the train depot.
: an unspecified amount or number of people or things
Some of the apples are bruised.
Some of the people at the party had too much to drink.
This bakery makes some of the best bread in town.
Most birds can fly but some cannot.
Some [=some people] say that patience is a virtue.
I'm making coffee; do you want some?
1
—used to indicate that a number is approximate
Some 80 people [=about 80 people] showed up for the lecture.
—sometimes used in combinationThe drug is illegal in 20-some states.
2
: to an unspecified amount or degree
Would you like some more potatoes?
I need to work on it some more.
—often used informally in U.S. English without moreHe needs to grow up some before he can live on his own.
The cut bled some. [=a little]
He helped me some.
Cite this Entry
“Some.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/some. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
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