adj

nother

NUH-thuh

Nother (adj) means a different one; another one (used informally, often in the phrase "a whole nother"). Example: “That's a whole nother problem we haven't even talked about yet.”

adj

A different one; another one (used informally, often in the phrase "a whole nother").

"That's a whole nother problem we haven't even talked about yet."

"Fixing the roof is one thing, but the plumbing is a whole nother story."

How to use nother

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn informal way of saying "another," almost always heard in the set phrase "a whole nother."

When to use it

Very informal — fine in casual speech, but avoid it in formal writing where "another" is correct.

Common pairings

a whole nother thing a whole nother level a whole nother story

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That's a whole _____ problem we haven't even talked about yet.

Etymology

A playful English reshuffling of "an other" into "a nother" — the same kind of sound-swap that turned "a napron" into "an apron."

Rhymes for nother

other mother bother brother another smother smoother godmother grandmother stepbrother

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Frequently asked questions

What does “nother” mean?

The word “nother” means a different one; another one (used informally, often in the phrase "a whole nother"). In plain terms, an informal way of saying "another," almost always heard in the set phrase "a whole nother.".

How do you pronounce “nother”?

“Nother” is pronounced NUH-thuh (/ˈnʌðəɹ/ in IPA).

How do you use “nother” in a sentence?

Here is “nother” used in a sentence: “That's a whole nother problem we haven't even talked about yet.”

What part of speech is “nother”?

“Nother” is an adjective.