each
eech
Each (det) means used to refer to every individual member of a group, considered one at a time. Example: “Each student received a copy of the handout.”
det
1
Used to refer to every individual member of a group, considered one at a time.
"Each student received a copy of the handout."
"Each room in the house had a different colour scheme."
"Each child in the class chose a book to take home."
pron
1
Every one of a group, taken separately.
"They each brought a dish to the potluck."
"The two sisters each wore a red scarf to the match."
"We were given a sandwich and an apple, and each was delicious."
adv
1
Apiece; for or to every one.
"The cakes are two pounds each, or you can buy six together."
"She gave the twins a small present each on their birthday."
"The tickets cost ten pounds each."
How to use each
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishReferring to every single member of a group individually, rather than the group as a whole.
Common mistake
"Each" takes a singular verb even when it refers to multiple people: "Each of the players has a locker," not "have".
Easily confused with
Common pairings
each and every
each one
each other
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Word forms
- Plural
- eaches
Fill the gap
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_____ student received a copy of the handout.
Etymology
From Old English ǣlċ, a contraction of ǣġhwelċ, related in sense to "always" plus "which".
Synonyms
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Rhymes for each
See all rhymes for each →Frequently asked questions
What does “each” mean?
The word “each” means used to refer to every individual member of a group, considered one at a time. In plain terms, referring to every single member of a group individually, rather than the group as a whole.
How do you pronounce “each”?
“Each” is pronounced eech (/it͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “each” in a sentence?
Here is “each” used in a sentence: “Each student received a copy of the handout.”
What part of speech is “each”?
Depending on how it is used, “each” can be a det, a pronoun and an adverb.
Where does the word “each” come from?
The word “each” comes from Old English. From Old English ǣlċ, a contraction of ǣġhwelċ, related in sense to "always" plus "which".
Is “each” a common word?
“Each” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “each” have?
“Each” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: used to refer to every individual member of a group, considered one at a time.
What is the difference between 'each' and 'every'?
Both refer to all members of a group, but "each" views them one at a time, individually, while "every" sees them together as a whole set. "Each" suits smaller groups and stresses the individual; "every" suits larger ones and stresses completeness. You would say "each hand" but "every finger on the planet."
Is 'each' singular or plural?
"Each" is grammatically singular and takes a singular verb, even though it refers to several things. You say "each student has a book," not "have." When "each" follows a plural subject, though, the verb stays plural: "they each have a book." The trick is watching where "each" sits in the sentence.
What is the difference between 'each' and 'all'?
"All" treats the group as a single collective mass, while "each" separates it into individuals considered one by one. "All the students passed" views them together; "each student passed" focuses on them one at a time. "All" takes a plural verb; "each" takes a singular one, reflecting this difference in viewpoint.
Can 'each' come at the end of a sentence?
Yes, when it works like an adverb meaning "apiece." In "the tickets cost ten pounds each," it tells you the price applies to every single ticket individually. Used this way, "each" follows the noun or comes at the end, rather than sitting in front of the word it describes.
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