each

Meanings

1. 1
   adv

   to or from every one of two or more (considered individually)

   they received $10 each

2. 2
   det

   All; every; qualifying a singular noun, indicating all examples of the thing so named seen as individual or separate items (compare every).

   Make sure you wash each bowl well.

3. 3
   adv

   For one; apiece; per.

   The apples cost 50 cents each.

4. 4
   adv

   Individually; separately; used in a sentence with a plural subject to indicate that the action or state described by the verb applies to all members of the described group individually, rather than collectively to the entire group.

   We ordered half a chicken each, but we each got a whole one.

5. 5
   pron

   Every one/thing individually or one by one.

   I'm going to give each of you a chance to win.

6. 6
   noun

   An individual item: the least quantitative unit in a grouping.

   In one embodiment, there is an additional charge when ordering products as an “each” compared to the unit cost of the item when ordered by the case.

7. 7
   adj

   (used of count nouns) every one considered individually

Etymology

From Middle English eche, elche, ilch, from Old English ǣlċ, contraction of ǣġhwelċ. Comparable to aye + alike. Compare Scots ilk, elk (“each, every”), Saterland Frisian älk (“each”), West Frisian elk, elts (“each”), Dutch elk (“each”), Low German elk, ellik (“each”), German Low German elk, elke (“each, every”), German jeglicher (“any”). By surface analysis, Old English ā + which.