every

adjective

ev·​ery ˈev-rē How to pronounce every (audio)
1
a
: being each individual or part of a group without exception
b
: being each in a series or succession
every few days
every once in a while
2
obsolete : being all taken severally
3
: being each within a range of possibilities
was given every chance
4
: complete, entire
we have every confidence in her
Phrases
every now and then or every now and again or every so often
: at intervals : occasionally

Examples of every in a Sentence

I heard every word you said. He devotes every spare moment to his hobby. His every move was carefully watched. She's beautiful in every way. Ceramics of every kind were on display.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This is literally how every fast food joint operates, don’t be fooled. Kate Gibson, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2019 And as a result, that’s going to reduce economic growth and the prosperity of virtually every American and every American family. WSJ, 6 June 2017 NOW: Every June 1, hurricane season starts anew and locals are prompted to prepare for the worst -- stocking up on water, batteries and nonperishable food, and planning an evacuation route. Mike Scott, NOLA.com, 31 May 2017

Word History

Etymology

Middle English everich, every, from Old English ǣfre ǣlc, from ǣfre ever + ǣlc each

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of every was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near every

Cite this Entry

“Every.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/every. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

every

adjective
ev·​ery ˈev-rē How to pronounce every (audio)
1
: being each one of a group or series without leaving out any
heard every word you said
2
: complete entry 1 sense 3, entire
have every confidence in you

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