and

play

conjunction \ən(d), (ˈ)an(d), usually ^ən(d) after t, d, s or z, often ^əm after p or b, sometimes ^əŋ after k or g\

Definition of and

1 —used as a function word to indicate connection or addition especially of items within the same class or type ; used to join sentence elements of the same grammatical rank or function
2a —used as a function word to express logical modification, consequence, antithesis, or supplementary explanationb —used as a function word to join one finite verb (such as go, come, try) to another so that together they are logically equivalent to an infinitive of purpose come and see me
3 obsolete : if
4 —used in logic to form a conjunction

and so forth

play \ən-ˈsō-ˌfȯrth\

1 : and others or more of the same or similar kind
2 : further in the same or similar manner
3 : and the rest
4 : and other things

and so on

play \ən-ˈsō-ˌȯn, -ˌän\

: and so forth

See and defined for English-language learners

See and defined for kids

Examples of and in a Sentence

2 and 2 equals 4.

Origin and Etymology of and

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German unti and

NEW!

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

AND

play

noun \ˈand\

Definition of AND

: a logical operator that requires both of two inputs to be present or two conditions to be met for an output to be made or a statement to be executed

Recent Examples of and from the Web

The White House could clear this up by issuing a statement clarifying that the OGE regulations do apply to White House staff — no ifs, ands or buts.

— glenn kessler, Washington Post, "Is the White House claiming it is ‘beyond the reach of basic ethics requirements’?", 5 June 2017
THE FINE PRINT There are ifs, ands and buts to these projections.

— audrey dutton, idahostatesman, "Health care to cost some young Idahoans more", 5 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'AND'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of and

1946

AND Defined for English Language Learners

and

play

conjunction

Definition of and for English Language Learners

—used to join words or groups of words
: added to : plus
—used to describe an action that is repeated or that occurs for a long time

AND Defined for Kids

and

play

conjunction \ənd, and\

Definition of and for Students

1 : added to 2 and 2 make 4
2 : as well as ice cream and cake strong and healthy
3 —used to describe an action that is repeated or that occurs for a long time The dog barked and barked.
4 —used to indicate the purpose of an action Please try and call.