either

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   Any one (of two).

   • You can have it in either colour.
2. 2

   Each of two

   Each of two; both.

   • There is a locomotive at either end of the train, one pulling and the other pushing.
   • There are roses on either side of the garden.
   • His flowing hair In curls on either cheek played.
3. 3

   Any one (of more than two).

   • They entreat, they pray, they beg, they supplicate (will either of these do, Miss Clary?) that you will make no scruple to go to your uncle Antony's […].
4. ›+ 4 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      One or the other of two people or things.

      • He made me two offers, but I did not accept either.
   2. 5

      Both, each of two or more.

      • Scarce a palm of ground could be gotten by either of the three.
      • And either vowd with all their power and wit, / To let not others honour be defaste […]
      • There have been three famous talkers in Great British, either of whom would illustrate what I say about dogmatists.
   3. 6

      As well.

      • I don't like him, and I don't like her either.
      • I know a cheap Spanish restaurant. It's not far from here, either.
      • But Richmond[…]appeared to lose himself in his own reflections. Some pickled crab, which he had not touched, had been removed with a damson pie; and his sister saw[…]that he had eaten no more than a spoonful of that either.
   4. 7

      Introduces the first of two (or occasionally more) options or possibilities, the second…

      Introduces the first of two (or occasionally more) options or possibilities, the second (or last) of which is introduced by “or”.

      • Either you eat your dinner or you go to your room.
      • You can have either potatoes or rice with that, but not both.
      • You'll be either early, late, or on time.

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