Python Dictionary popitem() method

Last Updated : 17 Jul, 2026

popitem() method removes and returns the last inserted key-value pair from a dictionary as a tuple. It modifies the original dictionary and is useful when you want to process or remove items one at a time.

Example: In this example, popitem() removes the last inserted key-value pair from the dictionary and returns it.

Python 
d = {1: "one", 2: "two", 3: "three"}
res = d.popitem()

print(res)
print(d)

Output
(3, 'three')
{1: 'one', 2: 'two'}

Explanation:

  • d.popitem() removes the last inserted key-value pair (3, 'three').
  • The returned tuple is stored in res, and the original dictionary is updated.

Syntax

dictionary.popitem()

  • Parameter: None - does not accept any parameters.
  • Return Value: Returns the removed (key, value) pair as a tuple and raises a KeyError if the dictionary is empty.

Examples

Example 1: In this example, the removed key-value pair is stored in a variable and then accessed separately.

Python 
d = {"A": 10, "B": 20, "C": 30}
item = d.popitem()

print(item)
print(item[0])
print(item[1])

Output
('C', 30)
C
30

Explanation:

  • d.popitem() returns the tuple ('C', 30).
  • item[0] gives the key, while item[1] gives the corresponding value.

Example 2: This example removes all key-value pairs one by one until the dictionary becomes empty.

Python 
d = {1: "A", 2: "B", 3: "C"}
while d:
    print(d.popitem())

Output
(3, 'C')
(2, 'B')
(1, 'A')

Explanation:

  • The while loop continues as long as the dictionary contains elements.
  • Each call to d.popitem() removes and returns the last inserted key-value pair.

Example 3: This example shows what happens when popitem() is called on an empty dictionary.

Python 
d = {}

try:
    d.popitem()
except KeyError:
    print("Dictionary is empty.")

Output
Dictionary is empty.

Explanation:

  • Calling d.popitem() on an empty dictionary raises a KeyError.
  • The try-except block catches the exception and prevents the program from terminating.
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