Definition and meaning of English word "neither"
neither
/ˈneɪðər/
Meaning
determinerNot one of two; not either; not one or the other.
How to use
The determiner 'neither' is typically used in formal and written English to indicate that two options are being rejected. A common grammatical nuance to note is that 'neither' must be paired with 'nor' in a sentence, as in 'I like neither coffee nor tea.' A learner mistake to avoid is using 'neither' with 'or', which is incorrect.
🇬🇧 English
neither
Example
I like neither of these two options.
Your personal vocabulary
🦊 Use this word in a live AI conversationSynonyms
Common phrases
- neither... nor— neither... nor
- neither of them— neither of them
- neither option— neither option
More Articles & Pronouns words
This concept in other languages
Frequency rank: #781 in English
Learn them all! 🚀
Master the 1000 most common English words with smart explanations, audio pronunciation, and spaced repetition.
Start Learning For Free →No sign-up required
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the English word "neither" mean?▼
The English word "neither" means "neither" in English.
How do you pronounce the English word "neither"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "neither" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "neither"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "I like neither of these two options." (which translates as "neither").
Related reading
Duolingo vs Anki vs Apps: Comparing Language Learning Methods in 2026
An honest comparison of popular language learning approaches: gamified apps, SRS flashcards, textbooks, tutors, and immersion. Pros, cons, and who each is best for.
Read →MethodWhat Is Spaced Repetition? The SM-2 Algorithm Explained Simply
Spaced repetition is the single most effective method for memorizing vocabulary. Learn how the forgetting curve works, how the SM-2 algorithm calculates review intervals, and why 20 minutes a day beats 2 hours of cramming.
Read →