First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1either
adjective ei·ther \ˈē-thər also ˈī-\
: one and the other of two
: one or the other of two
Full Definition of EITHER
1
: being the one and the other of two : each <flowers blooming on either side of the walk> <plays either instrument well>
2
: being the one or the other of two <take either road>
See either defined for English-language learners
See either defined for kids
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Origin of EITHER
2either
pronoun
: the one or the other
Full Definition of EITHER
: the one or the other <take either of the two routes>
See either defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of EITHER
before 12th century
3either
conjunction
Definition of EITHER
—used as a function word before two or more coordinate words, phrases, or clauses joined usually by or to indicate that what immediately follows is the first of two or more alternatives <can be used either as a guest room or as an office>
See either defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of EITHER
before 12th century
4either
adverb
: in addition
Full Definition of EITHER
2
: for that matter —used for emphasis after an alternative following a question or conditional clause especially where negation is implied <who answers for the Irish parliament? or army either? — Robert Browning>
See either defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of EITHER
15th century
EITHER Defined for Kids
1either
adjective ei·ther \ˈē-thər, ˈī-\
Definition of EITHER for Kids
1
: 1each <There are flowers on either side of the road.>
2
: being one or the other <You can take either road.>
2either
pronoun
Definition of EITHER for Kids
: the one or the other <She hadn't told either of her parents.>
3either
conjunction
Definition of EITHER for Kids
—used before words or phrases the last of which follows “or” to show that they are choices or possibilities <You can either go or stay.>
4either
adverb
Definition of EITHER for Kids
: also —used after a negative statement <The car is reliable and not expensive either.>
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