Definition of both
: the one as well as the other
- both of us
What's Trending Now
More Trending Words
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
What are your biggest concerns and priorities at this time — both in terms of the regulatory as well as industry development?
-
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.
-
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
-
Admittedly playing a little slower because he wasn't allowed to hit the quarterbacks, Young set up camp in the backfield playing for both the Scarlet and Gray teams.
-
That Kim agreed to travel to Beijing suggests that China is determined to have a say in the talks, while not being at the table during both the Moon and Trump summits.
-
Even in previous years, when both the House and Senate were controlled by Republican majorities, leaders in each chamber would hold legislation from the other as leverage.
-
The bill failed during both the regular and special legislative sessions.
-
Senior Lauren Lowe won both the 100-meter and 300-meter hurdles, then joined Maysen Odom, Megan Rotter and Cristen Harrison for the 1,600-meter relay championship.
-
The problem was that a traditional, 22-episode broadcast TV season was a little too much for a story like this, leading to some serious dead weight in the middle (though both the first two and last two hours are excellent).
-
Even if both those take place, a permanent change is a longshot.
-
Kim, ever the supportive daughter, accompanied her mother to both the pre- and post-procedure appointments.
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
-
—used before two words or phrases connected with and to stress that each is included
both
Definition of both for English Language Learners
-
—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
-
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
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up both? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
