whereabouts
UK: ˈweərəbaʊts | US: ˈwerəbaʊts
n. the place where someone or something is located
adv. in or near what place; approximately where
The word combines "where" (Old English hwǣr, meaning "in what place") and "abouts" (a variant of "about," from Old English abūtan, meaning "around" or "near"). Originally used in Middle English as an adverbial phrase ("where about"), it later fused into a single word to denote approximate location. The "-s" suffix in "abouts" reflects an adverbial genitive, a common feature in older English. The term retains its dual function as both a noun ("his whereabouts are unknown") and an adverb ("whereabouts did you see it?").
The police are investigating the whereabouts of the missing documents.
She refused to disclose her whereabouts during the incident.
"Whereabouts did you leave your keys?" he asked impatiently.
The fugitive's whereabouts remain a mystery.
The map shows the approximate whereabouts of the ancient ruins.