ENGLISH
REFERENCE

whereabouts

n. · adv.
US //ˈhwɛɹəˌbaʊts// UK //wˈeəɹɐbˌaʊts// where·abouts
  1. 1 current location (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the place where someone or something is at a particular time.

    the location or vicinity of a person or object. Usually functions as a plural-only noun, though it often takes a singular verb in informal usage.

    Example

    The police are still trying to determine the suspect's whereabouts after the robbery.

    Example

    Despite an extensive search of the coastal region, the exact whereabouts of the missing vessel remained a mystery to the investigators.

    Usage

    Usually plural in form but can be followed by a singular or plural verb.
  2. 2 anti-doping data (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Sport

    information that professional athletes must give to officials so they can be found for drug tests.

    the specific schedule and location data provided by elite athletes to anti-doping agencies to facilitate unannounced out-of-competition testing.

    Example

    The cyclist was suspended for three months after failing to update his whereabouts on the app.

    Example

    The anti-doping agency issued a formal warning to the sprinter following her third whereabouts failure within a twelve-month period.

    Usage

    Often used in the phrase 'whereabouts failure' or 'whereabouts requirements'.

  3. 3 asking where (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    in or near what place.

    at or near what location; used as an interrogative to seek a more specific area than 'where'.

    Example

    Whereabouts did you leave the car parked?

    Example

    Whereabouts in the city is the new office located, and is it accessible by public transport?

    Teacher's tip

    This is more specific than 'where'; it implies the speaker wants to know the general area or vicinity.
Origin

From Middle English wheraboutes, equivalent to whereabout + -s (adverbial suffix).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 20, 2026