SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

or something

idiom

Definition of or something

informal

—used to suggest another name, choice, etc., that is not specified

The man wearing the badge must be a guard or something.

Are you crazy or something?

Can I get you a glass of wine or something?

Word by Word Definitions

something play

: some indeterminate or unspecified thing
: some indeterminate amount more than a specified number
: a person or thing of consequence

: in some degree : somewhat
used as an intensive giving adverbial force to an adjective

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Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up or something? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

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WORD OF THE DAY

mollycoddle

play

to treat with excessive attention

Words at Play

All the Hits

8 obscure words for bodily harm

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The Fossil Encased in "Case In Point"

"In point" only lives in this phrase.

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‘Sleight’ or ‘Slight’ of Hand?

Watch closely and be amazed.

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'Complement' vs. 'Compliment'

The distinction is clear (now).

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

How we chose 'feminism'

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Words of the Year: 1066

Or, Why Pig Meat is Called 'Pork' and Cow Meat is Called 'Beef'

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Literally

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

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Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

The awkward case of 'his or her'

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Test your knowledge of strange human behaviors.

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More Confusing Words—Quiz

How many of these commonly confused words do you know?

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How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

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Word Winder's CrossWinder

Word Winder's CrossWinder

A game of winding words.

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