Definition of both
: the one as well as the other
- both of us
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Origin and Etymology of both
Middle English bothe, probably from Old Norse bāthir; akin to Old High German beide both
NEW! Time Traveler
First Known Use: before 12th century
in the meaning defined above
See Words from the same yearDefinition of both
—used as a function word to indicate and stress the inclusion of each of two or more things specified by coordinated words, phrases, or clauses
- prized both for its beauty and for its utility
- he … who loveth well both man and bird and beast
- —S. T. Coleridge
Recent Examples of both from the Web
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Case in point: Right after King Arthur cuts off one, then both, of the Black Knight’s arms, a woman walks in with a basket and scoops them up.
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Get her to the Early Bird, a charming little breakfast spot with locations in both Westminster and DTC that is super casual and super good.
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After a bullpen session, Pini suggested Gavin turn his two solid breaking balls (a curveball and a slider) into one really strong pitch, a slurve (combo of both), that became a bit more like a slider.
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What are your biggest concerns and priorities at this time — both in terms of the regulatory as well as industry development?
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It was built in 1922 at 107 E. Chestnut St. Both the city of Stillwater and Washington County, which had first and second dibs, declined to purchase the building.
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Neither squad has lost an in-state game yet, as both the Grizzlies (9-1) and the Patriots (10-1) each went 3-1 in their respective brackets in the prestigious Tarkanian Classic from Dec. 16-20 in Las Vegas.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'both.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of both
see 1both
NEW! Time Traveler
First Known Use: before 12th century
in the meaning defined above
See Words from the same yearDefinition of both
: being the two : affecting or involving the one and the other
- both feet
- both his eyes
- both these armies
Recent Examples of both from the Web
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For Texas Republicans, particularly those like Hurd facing strong challenges in the November midterm elections, Trump’s unusual about-face could blunt what has become both a political and humanitarian crisis.
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For Texas Republicans, particularly those like Hurd facing strong challenges in the November midterm elections, Trump’s unusual about-face could blunt what has become both a political and humanitarian crisis.
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The Houthi leadership has lashed out at both the Arab intervention and Western governments, which the group sees as complicit in the offensive.
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Shipping industry advocates have been pushing for the change for years, arguing that the existing ballast water management program is too complicated because it is handled by both the Coast Guard and EPA.
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The Ball boys’ time in Lithuania would be cut short after Big Baller LaVar didn’t get along with the coach of the team and pulled both the boys off the squad before the season was over.
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Most agricultural and exportable commodities have upside pressure because of both the likelihood of trade but also the expense of transportation, but some of these commodities that have been held hostage have downside pressure.
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Mostly, though, there is the 1963 Rolls-Royce Phantom V, which came into Mr. Jarecki’s sights a few years back and serves as both the documentary’s roving stage and silent co-star.
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Life is about embracing the present moment — both the people and experiences in front of you.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'both.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of both
see 1both
NEW! Time Traveler
First Known Use: 13th century
in the meaning defined above
See Words from the same yearBOTH Defined for English Language Learners
both
Definition of both for English Language Learners
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—used before two words or phrases connected with and to stress that each is included
both
Definition of both for English Language Learners
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—used to indicate that two things or people are being referred to rather than just one
BOTH Defined for Kids
Definition of both for Students
: each one of two things or people : the two
- both of us
Definition of both for Students
—used before two words or phrases connected with and to stress that each is included
- both New York and London
Learn More about both
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See words that rhyme with both Spanish Central: Translation of both Nglish: Translation of both for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of both for Arabic speakers
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