both

pronoun, plural in construction

\ ˈbōth

Definition of both

(Entry 1 of 3)

: the one as well as the other both of us

both

conjunction

Definition of both (Entry 2 of 3)

—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 utilityhe … who loveth well both man and bird and beast— S. T. Coleridge

both

adjective

Definition of both (Entry 3 of 3)

: being the two : affecting or involving the one and the other both feet both his eyes both these armies

Examples of both in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Conjunction

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. — Joanne Engelhardt, The Mercury News, "‘Spamalot’ is an infectious crowd-pleaser at Palo Alto Players," 3 May 2017 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. — Allyson Reedy, The Know, "We’ve made your Denver Mother’s Day plans based on the kind of mom you have," 23 Apr. 2017 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. — Mirin Fader, Orange County Register, "Cal State Fullerton pitcher John Gavin won’t settle for anything less than great," 4 Apr. 2017 What are your biggest concerns and priorities at this time — both in terms of the regulatory as well as industry development? — Alicia Wallace, The Cannabist, "Exclusive: Here’s how Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper really feels about marijuana," 31 Mar. 2017 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. — Mary Divine, Twin Cities, "New armory in Stillwater will highlight history," 27 Feb. 2017 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. — Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, "5A’s top squads face off as ThunderRidge travels to George Washington," 3 Jan. 2017

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

One of the robbers struck one of the victims in the back of the head with a gun as the other pointed the barrel of another firearm at both the men’s foreheads. — Alejandro Serrano, chicagotribune.com, "Two given 11 years in federal prison each for carjacking in Goose Island neighborhood," 31 July 2019 And this people's-paparazzo is not the one to call out anyway, even though the shooting and sending were both the work of a true bottom-feeder. — Carolyn Hax, Anchorage Daily News, "Carolyn Hax: My mother-in-law wants ME to apologize to her for her son’s behavior," 23 July 2019 One look begins to explain why the novel has gone 25 years without a translation from the Bengali, despite prizes in India for both the book and movie adaptation. — John Domini, Washington Post, "Decades after the raucous ‘Harbart’ became a cult classic in India, a translation finally arrives," 22 July 2019 And this people’s-paparazzo is not the one to call out anyway, even though the shooting and sending were both the work of a true bottom-feeder. — Carolyn Hax, The Mercury News, "Carolyn Hax: Stalkerish photo sent to her ex-boyfriend," 21 July 2019 And this people’s-paparazzo is not the one to call out, even though the shooting and sending were both the work of a true bottom-feeder. — Carolyn Hax, Detroit Free Press, "Daughter’s ex upset about her new boyfriend," 21 July 2019 Priority will be given to those who meet both the polling and donor thresholds; remaining slots will be filled based on who has the highest polling average among the qualified candidates. — Renae Reints, Fortune, "What to Expect From the Second Democratic Debate," 11 July 2019 Garvey was aware of the bind the players were in, of how both the built-in and imposed uncertainties of the job could send cracks running through the solidarity of his membership. — Conor Orr, SI.com, "Fate of the Union: What the NFLPA Can Learn From the Fight of '77," 18 June 2019 The Brazilian icon scored 62 goals in 98 caps, and played a key role in Brazil's 2002 World Cup triumph, scoring both the goals in their 2-0 final win over Germany in Yokohama. — SI.com, "The Top 50 International Goalscorers of All Time," 18 July 2019

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.