either-or

1 of 2

noun

ei·​ther-or ˌē-t͟hər-ˈȯr How to pronounce either-or (audio)
 also  ˌī-
: an unavoidable choice or exclusive division between only two alternatives

either-or

2 of 2

adjective

: of or marked by either-or : black-and-white

Examples of either-or in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The Next Consulting Model This isn’t an either-or story. John Winsor, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025 But unlike last offseason, when the Falcons committed $90 million guaranteed to Kirk Cousins before using a first-round pick for another QB, Michael Penix Jr., the move to draft pass rushers Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. was not an either-or proposition. Mike Sando, New York Times, 29 May 2025 Everett gives the agonizing either-or decision to James instead. John Jeremiah Sullivan, Harpers Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025 Braving a series of twists and turns while racing down the flume of a high-speed dueling water coaster? Sun Sentinel Dave Hyde: Ten April blunders tell why Dolphins don’t win in January For too much of a quarter-century, the Dolphins have been on the wrong side of either-or draft decisions. South Florida Sun Sentinel, Sun Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1922, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of either-or was in 1922

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Either-or.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/either-or. Accessed 6 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!