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between

prep. · adv. · n.
US //bitˈwin// UK //bɪtwˈiːn// be·tween
  1. 1 physical or temporal space (prep.)
    A1 Beginner

    in the space or time that separates two points, people, or objects.

    indicating a position or interval in the space or time separating two distinct entities.

    Example

    The small table sits between the two blue armchairs in the living room.

    Example

    The negotiations took place in a neutral zone located between the two warring territories to ensure the safety of both delegations.

    Usage

    Typically followed by two nouns joined by 'and', or a plural noun representing two items.
    Pitfall
    The shop is between the bank and among the cafe.
    The shop is between the bank and the cafe.

    Use 'between' with two specific items connected by 'and'.

  2. 2 shared or combined (prep.)
    A2 Elementary

    shared by two or more people, or done by working together.

    denoting a relationship of sharing, cooperation, or combined effort involving two or more parties.

    Example

    Between the three of them, they managed to carry the heavy sofa upstairs.

    Example

    The cost of the renovation was split equally between the four partners, ensuring that no single person bore the financial burden alone.

    Usage

    While some traditionalists suggest 'between' is only for two people, it is standard in modern English for any number of people when viewed as individuals.
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  1. 3 choosing from options (prep.)
    A2 Elementary

    used when you must pick one thing from two or more choices.

    indicating a range of options from which a selection must be made.

    Example

    I couldn't decide between the chocolate cake and the fruit tart.

    Example

    The committee had to choose between three equally qualified candidates for the executive position, making the final interview process extremely difficult.
  2. 4 shared confidence (prep.)
    B1 Intermediate

    used to say that a secret should stay only with the people mentioned.

    indicating that information is restricted to a specific group of people.

    Example

    Just between you and me, I think the boss is planning to quit.

    Example

    The details of the merger remained strictly between the board members until the official press release was issued the following morning.
  3. 5 in the middle (adv.)
    B1 Intermediate

    in the space or time that separates two things.

    in an intermediate space or time; used without a following noun phrase.

    Example

    There were two large houses with a narrow path running between.

    Example

    The two lectures are at ten and two, with a long break for lunch in between.

    Usage

    Often appears as 'in between' when used as an adverb.
  4. 6 sewing needle (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical

    a short, strong needle used for sewing thick cloth.

    a type of short sewing needle with a small eye, specifically designed for fine stitching on heavy fabrics.

    Example

    She used a between to quilt the thick layers of the blanket together.

    Example

    The tailor selected a size 10 between to ensure the decorative stitching on the heavy wool coat remained precise and durable.

Origin

PIE word *dwóh₁ From Middle English betwene, from Old English betwēonum (“between, among”, dative plural, literally “by the two, near both”), from Proto-Germanic bi- (“be-”) + twīhnaz (“two each”), corresponding to be- + twain. Cognate with Scots between (“between”), Scots atween (“between”), Gothic 𐍄𐍅𐌴𐌹𐌷𐌽𐌰𐌹 (tweihnai, “two each”), Old English betweoh (“between”), Old English twinn (“double, twofold”). More at betwixt, twin. More distantly related to Ancient Greek διά (diá, “through, across, by, over”) whence English dia- (“through, across, between”). For the meaning development also compare with Mongolian хооронд (xoorond, “between”), connected with Mongolian хоёр (xojor, “two”).

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