and

The word “and” means used to join two words, phrases, or ideas that go together. In plain terms, the most basic joining word in English, used to connect words, phrases, or sentences.

“And” is pronounced AND (/ˈænd/ in IPA).

Here is “and” used in a sentence: “She bought bread and milk.”

Words with a similar meaning to “and” include as well as, together with, in addition to, &, 'n' and +.

“And” is a conjunction.

The word “and” comes from Old English. From Old English and, ond, going back to a Proto-Germanic word meaning roughly "facing, in addition.".

“And” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

“And” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: used to join two words, phrases, or ideas that go together.

Yes. Beginning a sentence with "and" is grammatically acceptable and common in published writing, where it links a new sentence to the previous idea. Some formal style guides advise using it sparingly, but there is no rule of English grammar against it.

Use a comma before "and" when it joins two complete sentences: "She knocked, and the door opened." In lists, the comma before the final "and" (the serial or Oxford comma) is optional, but it is recommended wherever leaving it out would create ambiguity.

"And" joins items that apply together: "tea and cake" means both. "Or" presents alternatives: "tea or coffee" means one of them. In negative sentences, "or" typically covers both items: "I don't drink tea or coffee" rules out both.

The ampersand (&) is a shorthand symbol for "and" used in company names, titles, tables, and other space-limited settings. In ordinary sentences and formal writing, spell out "and" in full.