each

American  

[eech] / itʃ /

adjective

1. every one of two or more considered individually or one by one.

   each stone in a building; a hallway with a door at each end.

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pronoun

1. every one individually; each one.

   Each had a different solution to the problem.

adverb

1. to, from, or for each; apiece.

   They cost a dollar each.

each British  

/ iːtʃ /

determiner

1. 1. every (one) of two or more considered individually

      each day

      each person

   2. ( as pronoun )

      each gave according to his ability

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adverb

1. for, to, or from each one; apiece

   four apples each

each Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing each

• at each other's throats
• made for (each other)

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Usage

The adjective each is always followed by a singular noun: each person; each book. When the adjective follows a plural subject, the verb agrees with the subject: They each dress in different styles. The houses each have central heating. When the pronoun each comes immediately before the verb, it always takes a singular verb: Each comes (not come ) from a different country. When the pronoun is followed by an of phrase containing a plural noun or pronoun, there is a tendency for the verb to be plural: Each of the candidates has (or have ) spoken on the issue. Some usage guides maintain that only the singular verb is correct, but plural verbs occur frequently even in edited writing. It is also sometimes said that the pronoun each must always be referred to by a singular pronoun, but again actual usage does not regularly observe this stricture: Each member of our garden club had their own special interests. In the most formal speech and writing, singular verbs and pronouns occur more frequently than plural: Each member … had his own special interests. The use of plural forms, especially plural pronouns, has been increasing in the United States, partially because of the desire to avoid using he or his to refer to a female. Anyone, anybody, everyone, everybody, no one, someone, and somebody follow the same general patterns of pronoun agreement as each. See also they.

Each is a singular pronoun and should be used with a singular form of a verb: each of the candidates was (not were ) interviewed separately

Synonym Usage

Each, every are alike in having a distributive meaning. Of two or more members composing an aggregate, each directs attention to the separate members in turn: Each child (of those considered and enumerated) received a large apple. Every emphasizes inclusiveness or universality: Every child (of all in existence) likes to play.

Etymology

Origin of each

First recorded before 900; Middle English eche, Old English ælc, equivalent to ā “ever” ( see ay ¹) + (ge)līc alike; cognate with Old High German ēo-gilīh, Old Frisian ellīk, Dutch, Low German elk

Explanation

Use the adjective each when every separate person or thing in a group is considered individually, one by one or piece by piece. If all the guests at your party will go home with a goody bag, you can say that each person will get one. The word each is useful for singling out one instance, item, or person from a larger group. When it's used as an adverb, it basically means "apiece." You might, for example, say, "These cupcakes cost me three dollars each," or "My siblings and I have one cat each — all together, we have six cats in our family." The Old English root of each, , is based on a Germanic phrase that means "ever alike."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

each

Within weeks, the foundation distributed $5 million each to two nonprofit organizations.

From Salon ● Aug. 30, 2026

Additional studies will be needed to determine whether the findings hold true in broader and more diverse populations, and to establish which patients are most likely to benefit from each treatment strategy.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 30, 2026

He now has to change the beef tallow in his fryer each week instead of every 10 to 14 days with vegetable oil.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 30, 2026

On the first night of training camp, the Rams’ defensive line coach sat down with each of his charges individually and, among other topics, talked about Aaron Donald.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 30, 2026

I look about our small camp—Belle and Midnight tied side by side; Father and Caesar, the fire between them, sitting across from each other.

From "Will’s Race for Home" by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Related Words

• all
• individually
• respectively
• separately