First Known Use: 12th century
Dictionary
1both
pronoun, plural in construction \ˈbōth\
Definition of BOTH
: the one as well as the other <both of us>
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Origin of BOTH
Middle English bothe, probably from Old Norse bāthir; akin to Old High German beide both
2both
conjunction
—used before two words or phrases connected with and to stress that each is included
Full Definition of BOTH
—used as a function word to indicate and stress the inclusion of each of two or more things specified by coordinated words, phrases, or clauses <prized both for its beauty and for its utility> <he … who loveth well both man and bird and beast — S. T. Coleridge>
See both defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of BOTH
12th century
3both
adjective
—used to indicate that two things or people are being referred to rather than just one
Full Definition of BOTH
: being the two : affecting or involving the one and the other <both feet> <both his eyes> <both these armies>
See both defined for English-language learners
See both defined for kids
First Known Use of BOTH
13th century
BOTH[2] Defined for Kids
1both
pronoun \ˈbōth\
Definition of BOTH for Kids
: each one of two things or people : the two <both of us>
2both
conjunction
Definition of BOTH for Kids
—used before two words or phrases connected with and to stress that each is included <both New York and London>
3both
adjective
Definition of BOTH for Kids
: the two <Both books are mine.>
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