whether or not

1 of 2

phrase (1)

1

: without being stopped or affected by something specified

We're going whether or not you decide to come along.

2

a

: if it is or was true that

uncertain whether or not all the options have been explored

b

: if it is or was better

wondered whether or not to include those details

3

archaic : in any case

"They've only been married a very few weeks, whether or no."

—Thomas Hardy

whether or not

2 of 2

phrase (2)

variant of whether or no

: in any case

they've only been married a very few weeks, whether or no

—Thomas Hardy

Examples of whether or not in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Phrase

Key to their future at the new Paramount Warner Bros is whether or not Ellison continued to honor their current terms, which would have Warner Bros marketing and distribution departments report into them. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2026

Retirement savings, through accounts like 401(k) plans and individual retirement accounts, are directly exposed to company performance, whether or not the fund in question is diversified. — Tzachi Zach, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2026

Flock cameras record passing vehicles whether or not their occupants are suspected of breaking the law. — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 2 Oct. 2026

This ballot measure would amend the state constitution to nix that system by first asking voters to choose whether or not to oust an official. — Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Rhymes for whether or not

• immunoblot
• aeronaut
• aforethought
• afterthought
• apricot
• argonaut
• astronaut
• camelot
• coffeepot
• concordat
• cosmonaut
• entrepot