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put by

B2 neutral separable transitive

In simple words

To save a little money or food regularly so you have it when you need it later.

Literal meaning: To place something to one side for later.

Meanings

1 B2 neutral

uncommon

To save money or goods regularly for future use.

"My grandfather put by a little each week from his wages and never touched it until retirement."

Grammar: separable

Usage notes

Somewhat old-fashioned and more common in British English. Often used for small, regular savings or food preservation. Less common in everyday modern speech, where 'put aside' or 'save up' are more typical.

Commonly used with

money savings food supplies a sum provisions

Forms

Base

put by

I/you/we/they

3rd person

puts by

he/she/it

Past simple

put by

yesterday

Past participle

put by

have + pp

-ing form

putting by

continuous

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