both

American  

[bohth] / boʊθ /

adjective

1. one and the other; two together.

   He met both sisters. Both performances were canceled.

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pronoun

1. the one as well as the other.

   Both of us were going to the party.

conjunction

1. alike; equally.

   He is both ready and willing.

both British  

/ bəʊθ /

determiner

1. 1. the two; two considered together

      both dogs were dirty

   2. ( as pronoun )

      both are to blame

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conjunction

1. (coordinating) used preceding words, phrases, or clauses joined by and , used to emphasize that not just one, but also the other of the joined elements is included

   both Ellen and Keith enjoyed the play

   both new and exciting

both Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing both

• best of both worlds
• burn the candle at both ends
• cut both ways
• foot in both camps
• have it both ways
• play both ends against the middle
• work both sides of the street

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Etymology

Origin of both

First recorded in 1125–75; Middle English bothe, bathe, Old English bā thā “both the, both those”; cognate with German, Dutch beide, Old High German bêde; akin to Latin ambō, Greek ámphō, Lithuanian abù, Sanskrit ubháu

Explanation

When you're talking about two things that go together, use the adjective both. If you put on both of your boots, you are wearing the left one and the right one. When you use the word both, you're always talking about two of something. If you say you're having dinner with both of your brothers this weekend, it means you have two brothers. When you call both of your dogs to come inside, it's clear you've got two dogs. There are a few theories about the origin of both, including the Old English word begen, "both," and the the Old Norse baðir, also "both."

Example Sentences

Give it a day or two in the fridge, and suddenly you’ve extended the life of both the vegetables and the brine.

From Salon • May 28, 2026

There is also a belief within the club that there is more to come from Gordon both with and without the ball.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

Sales to domestic buyers tell us how much businesses are selling to their customers in the U.S. — both consumers and other companies.

From MarketWatch • May 28, 2026

Indicators of both household and business financial stress have stabilized over the past year, the bank said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

He gathered both Nollie and me into a bearhug and then ran to the window.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom