between
bih-TWEEN
Between (prep) means In the space, time, or range that separates two things. Example: “The café is between the bank and the bookstore.”
prep
1
In the space, time, or range that separates two things.
"The café is between the bank and the bookstore."
"We'll arrive between six and seven o'clock."
"The ball rolled between the two chairs and stopped by the wall."
2
Shared by, or exchanged privately by, two or more people.
"Keep this between us for now."
"There are no secrets between the two of us, so ask anything."
"The friends divided the cost of the trip between themselves."
3
Involving a choice or comparison of two options.
"I couldn't decide between the red one and the blue one."
"You must choose between staying here and moving to the city."
"What is the difference between a crocodile and an alligator?"
How to use between
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsed to show something is in the middle of two points, shared by two parties, or a choice involving two options.
Common mistake
Traditionally reserved for exactly two things, with "among" used for three or more — though this distinction is often ignored in casual speech.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
between you and me
somewhere between
choose between
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like between.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- betweens
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The café is _____ the bank and the bookstore.
Etymology
From Old English betwēonum, literally "by the two" — built from be- and a word related to "twain" (two), the same root behind "betwixt" and "twin."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for between
See all rhymes for between →Frequently asked questions
What does “between” mean?
The word “between” means in the space, time, or range that separates two things. In plain terms, used to show something is in the middle of two points, shared by two parties, or a choice involving two options.
How do you pronounce “between”?
“Between” is pronounced bih-TWEEN (/bəˈtwin/ in IPA).
How do you use “between” in a sentence?
Here is “between” used in a sentence: “The café is between the bank and the bookstore.”
What is another word for “between”?
Words with a similar meaning to “between” include atween, atwix, atwixt, betwixt and betwixte.
What part of speech is “between”?
“Between” is a preposition.
Where does the word “between” come from?
The word “between” comes from Old English. From Old English betwēonum, literally "by the two" — built from be- and a word related to "twain" (two), the same root behind "betwixt" and "twin.".
Is “between” a common word?
“Between” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “between” have?
“Between” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in the space, time, or range that separates two things.
What is the difference between 'between' and 'among'?
Use 'between' for distinct, individual things, even if there are more than two — 'a treaty between four nations.' Use 'among' for something within a larger group viewed collectively — 'hidden among the trees.' The old rule that 'between' is only for two items is a myth; what matters is whether the things are separate or a mass.
Can 'between' be used for more than two things?
Yes. Although 'between' comes from a root meaning 'by two,' it correctly applies to any number of items when each one is considered separately — 'the differences between red, green, and blue.' The key is that the things are individually distinct, not that there happen to be exactly two of them.
What is an example of 'between'?
'The shop sits between the bank and the café' places it in the space separating those two buildings. 'Between' can also mark time, as in 'call me between two and three o'clock,' or a range, as in 'a price between ten and twenty pounds.' Each use points to a gap dividing two limits.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include between:
