DictionaryAI

neither

NY-thur/ˈnaɪ.ðɚ/UKNY-thuh/ˈnaɪ.ðə/

5 meanings of neither

Practice

  1. 1
    with norconjunction
    Used with 'nor' to join two choices and say both are not true.

    Like saying no to both doors instead of picking one.

    Neither the cat nor the dog wanted to go outside in the rain.

    She neither called nor wrote during her long trip away.

    UsageSay neither the cat nor the dog (not incorrect: neither the cat or the dog).

  2. 2
    not either (alone)pronoun
    Not one of two people or things, and not the other one.

    Like being shown two toys and wanting none of them.

    We offered her tea and coffee, but she wanted neither.

    Neither of the brothers showed up to the meeting.

    UsageSay neither of us, usually with is. For more than two, say none.

    Oppositeboth

  3. 3
    not either (with thing)determiner
    Not one and not the other, when there are two.

    Like looking at two cookies and taking not a single one.

    Neither answer was correct, so she tried the problem again.

    He liked neither option on the lunch menu.

    UsageUse one thing after it: neither answer, neither option.

    Oppositeboth

  4. 4
    likewise notadverb
    Used to add that something is also not true, after another negative.

    Like saying 'me too,' but for things that are not true.

    I don't like spinach, and neither does my brother.

    She hadn't finished the report, and neither had her colleague.

    UsageAfter a negative, say neither do I, with do before I.

    Oppositeso

Less common meaning

  1. 5
    conjunctionarchaic
    Used like 'nor' to add another negative point in older writing.

    He would not rest, neither would he let his men sleep.

    But here thou canst not handle aught, neither make the folk ware of thee, not though thou shout thy throat hoarse.
    1922, E[ric] R[ücker] Eddison, The Worm Ouroboros: A RomanceHere, neither means nor, adding another thing you cannot do.

    UsageToday people say nor here.

    Note

Practice

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Origin

It comes from Old English and was made from words meaning 'no' and 'whether'. It later changed its spelling to match the word 'either'.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 3 facts