either-or

American  

[ee-ther-awr, ahy-ther-] / ˈi ðərˈɔr, ˈaɪ ðər- /

adjective

1. allowing no equivocation; being limited in choice to two options.

   It's an either-or situation—you pay the bill or you lose the company's services.

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either-or British  

adjective

1. presenting an unavoidable need to choose between two alternatives

   an either-or situation

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Etymology

Origin of either-or

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Either or both can be the right choice.

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2023

If you say to the Queen, "Either/ or," the Queen will say, "Well, in that case, I suggest you do or," which is sort of what happened.

From Salon • Jun. 2, 2022

Either or both could fill the hole in the middle of the defense.

From Washington Times • Apr. 25, 2020

Either or both might be true — this month, U.S.A.

From New York Times • Mar. 15, 2017

Either or both may occur below the horizon and therefore be invisible.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 8 "Cube" to "Daguerre, Louis" by Various