or

conjunction
UK: /ɔː/
US: /ɔːr/

  1. Used to link different possibilities.

    1. Do you want tea or coffee?
    2. We can eat now, or we can wait until after the show.

  2. Indicating an alternative if the first thing mentioned is not possible or does not happen.

    1. We must hurry, or we'll be late.
    2. You have to start saving money, or you'll never be able to afford a house.

  3. Used to introduce a word or phrase that explains or corrects something you have just said.

    1. He's a musician, or rather, a composer.
    2. The report was adequate, or at least it seemed so at the time.

Synonyms

else otherwise

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "or" in English means: Used to link different possibilities., Indicating an alternative if the first thing mentioned is not possible or does not happen., Used to introduce a word or phrase that explains or corrects something you have just said..

The phonetic transcription of "or" is /ɔː/ in British English and /ɔːr/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "or": else, otherwise.

Example usage of "or": "Do you want tea or coffee?". More examples on the page.