either-or

1 of 2

noun

ei·​ther-or ˌē-t͟hər-ˈȯr How to pronounce either-or (audio)
also ˌī-
: an unavoidable choice or exclusive division between only two alternatives

either-or

2 of 2

adjective

: of or marked by either-or : black-and-white

Examples of either-or in a Sentence

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.
Noun
Both are first-class options on one cloud, and the choice is no longer either-or. — Janakiram Msv, Forbes.com, 12 May 2026 This is not an either-or choice between senior members and younger people. — Jason Lemon, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
This doesn’t have to be an either-or conversation. — Angelette C. Aviles, Baltimore Sun, 7 Apr. 2026 This doesn’t have to be an either-or situation. — Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for either-or

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1841, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1919, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of either-or was in 1841

Rhymes for either-or

See All Rhymes for either-or

Browse Nearby Words

either
either-or
either way
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Either-or.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/either-or. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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