Dictionary
1neither
conjunction nei·ther \ˈnē-thər also ˈnī-\
: also not
Full Definition of NEITHER
1
: not either <neither black nor white>
2
: also not <neither did I>
See neither defined for English-language learners
Usage Discussion of NEITHER
Although use with or is neither archaic nor wrong, neither is usually followed by nor. A few commentators think that neither must be limited in reference to two, but reference to more than two has been quite common since the 17th century <rigid enforcement of antique decorum will help neither language, literature, nor literati — James Sledd>.
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Origin of NEITHER
Middle English, alteration (influenced by either) of nauther, nother, from Old English nāhwæther, nōther, from nā, nō not + hwæther which of two, whether
First Known Use: 12th century
2neither
pronoun
: not the one and not the other of two people or things
Full Definition of NEITHER
: not the one or the other of two or more
See neither defined for English-language learners
See neither defined for kids
Usage Discussion of NEITHER
Some commentators insist that neither must be used with a singular verb. It generally is, but especially when a prepositional phrase intervenes between it and the verb, a plural verb is quite common <neither of those ideal solutions are in sight — C. P. Snow>.
First Known Use of NEITHER
13th century
3neither
adjective
: not one or the other of two people or things
Full Definition of NEITHER
: not either <neither hand>
See neither defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of NEITHER
14th century
4neither
adverb
Definition of NEITHER
1
chiefly dialect : either
2
: similarly not : also not <just as the serf was not permitted to leave the land, so neither was his offspring — G. G. Coulton>
First Known Use of NEITHER
1551
NEITHER Defined for Kids
1neither
conjunction nei·ther \ˈnē-thər, ˈnī-\
Definition of NEITHER for Kids
1
: not either <His grades were neither good nor bad.>
2
: also not <Our parents did not want to go and neither did we.>
2neither
pronoun
Definition of NEITHER for Kids
: not the one and not the other <Neither of the bottles is full.>
3neither
adjective
Definition of NEITHER for Kids
: not either <Neither answer is correct.>
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