Etymology

, from West , ultimately corresponding to +

Usage notes

In the UK the first pronunciation is generally more used in southern England, while the latter is more usual in northern England. However this is an oversimplification and which is actually used can vary by individual speaker and sometimes also by situation.

Determiner

1. one or the other (of two)

   I don't mind whether your mother or father attends - you can bring either parent.
2. each of two

   The room has a door at either end.

Pronoun

1. Both (people or things).
   • 1485, Sir Thomas Malory, Le Morte Darthur, Book VII:

     Than ayther departed to theire tentis and made hem redy to horsebacke as they thought beste.

2. One or other of two people or things.

Adverb

1. as well

   I don't like him and I don't like her either.

Usage notes

is sometimes used, especially in North American English, where would be more traditionally accurate: "I'm not hungry." "Me either."

Conjunction

1. Introduces the first of two options, the second of which is introduced by "or".

   Either you eat your dinner or you go to your room.