or what

Idioms  

1. A phrase following a statement that adds emphasis or suggests an option. For example, in Is this a good movie or what? the phrase asks for confirmation or agreement. However, it also may ask for an alternative, as in Is this book a biography or what? In the 1700s it generally asked for a choice among a series of options, and it still has this function, as in In what does John excel? in imagination? in reasoning powers? in mathematics? or what?

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Example Sentences

"That freedom must be maintained by this generation of leaders and war fighters or what they fought for was merely temporary."

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

But how does a kid who works at a carwash in Fresno even know how many billionaires there are, or what their net worth is?

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

In February, I drove to Raleigh to meet with Easley and visit Smokin’ Barrel — or what used to be Smokin’ Barrel.

From Salon • Jun. 2, 2026

"I don't know why these individuals attacked or what they are trying to do, but I refuse to let these dangerous acts undermine New Jersey's commitment to public safety," Sherrill said on X.

From Barron's • May 31, 2026

It didn’t matter where we lived or what we wore or what we ate, we were Turners and we were family.

From "Root Magic" by Eden Royce