or

Meanings

1. 1
   conj

   Used to link alternatives, only one of which need apply.

   You may stay or go.

2. 2
   conj

   Otherwise; used to warn of a bad result.

   Hurry up, or you'll miss the train!

3. 3
   conj

   Used to link two names for the same thing.

   The country Myanmar, or Burma, lies in Southeast Asia.

From Middle English or; partially contracted from other, auther, from Old English āþor, āwþer, āhwæþer ("some, any, either"; > either); and partially from Middle English oththe, from Old English oþþe, from Proto-Germanic *efþau (“or”).

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