or

1conjunctiongiving a choice

This is the most common use of 'or'. When you want to present two or more options, you use 'or' to connect them. Think of it as saying: 'pick one of these things'.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

You can take the bus or walk to the station.

Sometimes 'or' is used to warn that something bad will happen if a condition is not met. It works like saying 'otherwise' or 'if not'. You will often see it in the pattern: 'do this, or something bad will happen'.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

Hurry up, or we will miss the train.

You should wear a coat, or you will get cold.

Pay the bill, or the electricity will be cut off.

You can use 'or' to introduce another way of saying the same thing — like adding an explanation or a simpler version of what you just said. It works similarly to 'that is' or 'in other words'.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

We need to be punctual, or on time, for the meeting.

When you are not sure about an exact number or detail, you can use 'or' between two close values to show that the real answer is somewhere around there. It is often used with 'so' as well.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

I will be there in five or ten minutes.

She has been living here for a year or so.