Meaning

Connects at least two alternative words, phrases, clauses, sentences, etc., each of which could make a passage true..

Definitions by Sense

1. Connects at least two alternative words, phrases, clauses, sentences, etc., each of which could make a passage true.
2. (logic) An operator denoting the disjunction of two propositions or truth values. There are two forms, the inclusive or and the exclusive or.
3. Counts the elements before and after as two possibilities.
4. Otherwise (a consequence of the condition that the previous is false).
5. Connects two equivalent names.
6. (logic, electronics) Alternative form of OR.
7. (heraldry) The gold or yellow tincture on a coat of arms.
8. (heraldry) Of gold or yellow tincture on a coat of arms.

Example Sentences

You may stay or go.

He might get cancer, or be hit by a bus, or God knows what.

It's raining! Come inside or you'll catch a cold!

No matter how early I came down, I would find him on the veranda, smoking cigarettes, or otherwise his man would be there with a message to say that his master would shortly join me if I would kindly wait.

The country Myanmar, or Burma

The metals are gold and silver, these being termed "or" and "argent".

In engraving, "Or" is expressed by dots.

Or euer the siluer corde be loosed, or the golden bowle be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountaine, or the wheele broken at the cisterne. Then shall the dust returne to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall returne vnto God who gaue it.

Word Forms

• ors

Synonyms for or

Related Words

When Should You Use Or?

Use or when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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Frequently Asked Questions