sorta

pronunciation spelling

ˈsȯr-tə

—used for "sort of" in informal speech and in representations of such speech

I sorta [=to a degree] like coffee, but I usually prefer tea.

He's apt to get sorta [=somewhat] mad if he's interrupted.—

P. G. Wodehouse

It's sorta [=somewhat] like peanut butter and jelly—a combination that just works.—

John Nosta

… it never was really planned, it just sorta [=more or less] happened.—

Josh King Madrid

… he was a pretty no-nonsense, tough sorta [=type of] guy …—

Dan Chick

… the two-bedroom house is set in the shade of rosewood trees, perfect for a book 'n' hammock sorta [=type of] day.—

Jose Joy

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of sorta was in 1901

See more words from the same year

sort

sorta

sortation

See all Nearby Words

Style

“Sorta.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sorta. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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