¹either

adjective ei·ther \ˈē-thər also ˈī-\

: one and the other of two

: one or the other of two

Full Definition of EITHER

: being the one and the other of two : each <flowers blooming on either side of the walk> <plays either instrument well>

: being the one or the other of two <take either road>

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Origin of EITHER

Middle English, from Old English ǣghwæther both, each, from ā always + ge-, collective prefix + hwæther which of two, whether — more at aye, co-

First Known Use: before 12th century

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

Rhymes with EITHER

breather, neither, sheather, teether

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

: likewise, moreover —used for emphasis after a negative <not smart or handsome either>

: 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