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

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

The question of whether or not Denise could have it all — a career as a singer/songwriter and an enduring romantic relationship — was not only central to the film, but a point of contention between the filmmakers. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 29 Sep. 2026

And yet crossing the trillion-dollar mark is a remarkable achievement, whether or not AMD continues to straddle the border. — Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2026

Include photos showing any damage and whether or not multiple people are needed to haul the item away. — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 28 Sep. 2026

Rhymes for whether or not

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