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either

EYE-thur/ˈaɪ.ðɚ/EYE-thuh/ˈaɪ.ðə/

6 meanings of either

Practice

  1. 1
    choice (with or)conjunction
    Used before the first of two choices, with the word 'or' before the second.

    Like a fork in the road, where you pick one path or the other.

    You can either walk to school or ride your bike.

    We will either eat now or wait until later.

    UsageUse the same kind of word after both: either walk or cycle (not incorrect: either walking or cycle).

  2. 2
    also notadverb
    Used after a negative statement to mean 'also' or 'as well.'

    I don't like spicy food, and my brother doesn't either.

    She hasn't finished her homework, and I haven't either.

    UsageAfter not, say either: I can't swim either.

    Note
  3. 3
    any (of two)determiner
    One or the other of two things, when it does not matter which.

    You can park on either side of the street.

    Either bus will take you downtown.

    UsagePut one thing after it: either door, either way.

    Oppositeneither

  4. 4
    any (of two)pronoun
    One of two people or things, but not both.

    Like choosing one of two doors: you go through one, not both.

    There are two coats here, and either will keep you warm.

    Both answers are correct, so you can choose either.

    UsageSay either is fine. Not either means not this one and not that one.

    Oppositeneither

    Note
  5. 5
    determiner
    Each of the two, like both sides or both ends.

    Like trees growing along both edges of a path at once.

    There were tall trees on either side of the road.

    She carried a heavy bag in either hand.

    UsageSay on either side to mean on both sides.

    Similareach

    Note

Less common meaning

  1. 6
    pronounobsolete
    Each one, or any one, of two or more people or things.
    Scarce a palm of ground could be gotten by either of the three.
    a. 1627 (date written), Francis [Bacon], “Considerations Touching a Warre with Spaine.”Here, either means any one, each of the three taken alone.
    There have been three famous talkers in Great British, either of whom would illustrate what I say about dogmatists.
    1872, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.Here, either means any one of the three, each taken separately.
    Note

Practice

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Origin

It comes from Old English "ǣġhwæþer," which passed into Middle English as "either."

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 1 fact

  • Either descends from Old English ǣġhwæþer through Middle English either. en.wiktionary.org