ˈfoɚ 
fɚ
1
a
—used to indicate the place someone or something is going to or toward
He just left for the office.
We're heading for home.
When's the next train for [=to] London?
b
—used to indicate the person or thing that something is sent or given to
Are there any letters for me?
This present is for you.
She baked a cake for me.
2
a
—used to indicate the thing that something is meant to be used with
There's a separate slot for out-of-town mail.
Are these the tires for this car?
The scenery for the play is beautiful.
This food is for the party.
b
—used to indicate the person or type of person who should use or have something
The store sells suits for tall men.
This is just right for me.
That job is not for me. [=that job would not suit me]
Who's the best/right person for the job?
3
a
—used to indicate the use of something
an instrument for measuring speed
b
—used to indicate why something is done
She's dressing for dinner.
Squirrels were storing nuts for the winter.
He's making plans for retirement.
studying for examinations
They shouted the news for all to hear. [=so that all could hear it]
4
—used to indicate the person that a statement refers to
Seeing her again must be difficult for him.
—often followed by to + verbIt's time for us to get busy.
For him to confess would be painful.
That's too heavy for you to carry.
(chiefly US) I'd hate for you to miss the show. [=I'd hate it if you missed the show]
5
a
: in order to help or cause (something)
We are working for the good of humanity.
This is for your own good. [=to help you]
They believe that they are acting for the best. [=they are doing what is best]
b
: in order to get (something)
For more information, call our main office.
Everybody ran for safety/shelter when the shooting started.
6
: in favor of (someone or something)
Which candidate are you for?
You're either for [=with] me or you're against me.
the case for and the case against disarmament
I am all for [=completely in favor of] freedom of speech.
7
: because of (something)
He shouted for joy.
He wept for sorrow.
He was decorated for bravery.
8
—used to indicate the person or thing toward which feelings, thoughts, etc., are directed
He was hungry for praise.
They are longing for home.
I can't help feeling sorry for him.
She has a taste for spicy food. [=she enjoys spicy food]
9
a
—used to indicate an amount of time or space
You can see for miles from the top of the hill.
She won't be here for long.
She won't get here for hours (yet).
We're staying there for the summer.
b
—used to indicate the time when something happens or will happen
The wedding is planned for next April.
We've invited her for 8 p.m.
c
—used to indicate the time that a statement refers to
That's all for now/today.
10
a
: in place of (someone or something else) : instead of (someone or something else)
Would you go to the store for me?
Johnson is now batting for Smith.
b
: as a representative of (someone)
His lawyer will act for him in this affair.
I'm sure I speak for everyone here when I say "Well Done!"
c
: in order to help or serve (someone or something)
What else can I do for you?
Let me carry that for you.
They fought and died for their country.
11
: in order to cure or treat (an illness, injury, disease, etc.)
You should take something for that cough.
12
—used to indicate the amount or value of something
a check for $100
13
—used to indicate the meaning of a word
The French word for "good" is "bon."
14
—used to indicate the food that is eaten at a meal
I ordered eggs for breakfast.
What did you have for dinner?
15
: as an employee, member, player, etc., of (something)
She works for the government.
He plays for Denver.
16
chiefly US
: with the name of (someone)
He was named for [=after] his grandfather. [=he was given the same name as his grandfather]
17
—used to indicate the parts of a list or series
For one thing, we have no money; for another, we have no time.
People don't buy it because, for one thing, the price is too high.
18
—used to refer to something that is surprising or unexpected when compared to something else
He's tall for his age. [=he is taller than you would expect someone his age to be]
It's been very cool for May.
That was a good score for him. = For him, that was a good score.
19
—used to indicate the relationship between numbers or amounts that are being compared
For every good writer there are a dozen bad ones.
20
—used in various emphatic phrases
I for one will vote for him. [=I will definitely vote for him]
For the last time, will you stop that noise!
I wish you'd be sensible for once.
formal + literary
: because
—used to introduce a statement that explains why a preceding statement is true
They were certainly there, for I saw them.
Cite this Entry
“For.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/for. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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