and/or

American  

[and-awr] / ˈændˈɔr /

conjunction

1. (used to imply that either or both of the things mentioned may be affected or involved).

   insurance covering fire and/or wind damage.

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and/or British  

conjunction

1. (coordinating) used to join terms when either one or the other or both is indicated

   passports and/or other means of identification

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and/or Idioms  

1. Both or either of two options. For example, His use of copyrighted material shows that the writer is careless and/or dishonest. This idiom originated in legal terminology of the mid-1800s.

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Usage

The combination and/or is used primarily in business and legal writing: All dwellings and/or other structures on the property are included in the contract. Because of these business and legal associations, some object to the use of this combination in general writing, where it occasionally occurs: She spends much of her leisure time entertaining and/or traveling. In such writing, either and or or is usually adequate. If a greater distinction is needed, another phrasing is available: Would you like cream or sugar, or both?

Many people think that and/or is only acceptable in legal and commercial contexts. In other contexts, it is better to use or both: some alcoholics lose their jobs or their driving licences or both (not their jobs and/or their driving licences )

Example Sentences

Avoid putting off Medicaid applications until the 11th hour, making cash gifts that exceed tax-free limits and/or transferring property without fully understanding Medicaid rules; and failing to consider irrevocable trusts or other sound legal strategies.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

This should ease competitive pressure from imports as rivals face disruptions and/or rising costs related to war, and translate into improving pricing power and volumes, JPM says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

This is a rare condition in which a person's hormones, genes and/or reproductive organs may be a mix of male and female characteristics.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

The last question should cover whether they work on a salary, fee-based, commission and/or revenue-sharing basis.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 24, 2026

“If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of William Lamar and/or Ruby Jean Lamar, please call the number on the screen below.”

From "Clean Getaway" by Nic Stone