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

See Examples For:

both

At the core of Mr. Vance’s message is the repudiation of views allegedly held by both parties, especially his own.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 26, 2026

Although the $17 billion is the biggest penalty yet against the platform, experts and child safety advocates say the agreed-upon changes are far more significant for both users and the company’s bottom line.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 26, 2026

Curry, who died Tuesday at the age of 80, is best remembered for originating the role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in both the stage and film versions of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”

From Salon ● Aug. 26, 2026

Most significantly, both the financial penalty and the new protections it agreed to have some major caveats.

From Slate ● Aug. 26, 2026

He left her with the truck and with Janet, the daughter he never got to meet, both of which came back to Oklahoma with Sharon.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith