every

adjective

ev·​ery ˈev-rē 

1

a

: being each individual or part of a group without exception

b

: being each in a series or succession

every few days

every once in a while

2

obsolete : being all taken severally

3

: being each within a range of possibilities

was given every chance

4

: complete, entire

we have every confidence in her

Phrases

every now and then or every now and again or every so often

: at intervals : occasionally

Synonyms

• any
• each

Examples of every in a Sentence

I heard every word you said.

He devotes every spare moment to his hobby.

His every move was carefully watched.

She's beautiful in every way.

Ceramics of every kind were on display.

Recent Examples on the Web

This is literally how every fast food joint operates, don’t be fooled. —Kate Gibson, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2019

And as a result, that’s going to reduce economic growth and the prosperity of virtually every American and every American family. —WSJ, 6 June 2017

NOW: Every June 1, hurricane season starts anew and locals are prompted to prepare for the worst -- stocking up on water, batteries and nonperishable food, and planning an evacuation route. —Mike Scott, NOLA.com, 31 May 2017

Word History

Etymology

Middle English everich, every, from Old English ǣfre ǣlc, from ǣfre ever + ǣlc each

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing every

• all points/every point of the compass
• any/every Tom, Dick, and Harry
• at every opportunity
• at every turn
• cover every base
• each and every
• every bit
• every cloud has a silver lining
• every confidence
• every dog has his/its day
• every hour on the hour
• every inch
• every inch of
• every inch of the way
• every inch/step of the way
• every indication
• every last
• every last one
• every little thing
• every man for himself
• every man jack
• every nook and cranny
• every once in a while
• every other
• every penny helps/counts
• every second
• every step of the way
• every time
• every walk of life
• every which way
• give every appearance of
• hang on someone's every word
• have a finger in a/the/every pie
• have every intention of
• In every corner of
• in every quarter
• in every sense of the word
• in every way
• it is not every day
• make every effort
• on every hand
• satisfy someone's every whim
• suit every pocket
• suit every pocketbook
• there's a sucker born every minute
• there's one born every minute
• touch every base
• try/use every trick in the book
• with every fiber of one's being
• worth every penny

Video

'Everyday' vs. 'Every Day'

A simple trick to keep them separate

Kids Definition

every

adjective

ev·​ery ˈev-rē 

1

: being each one of a group or series without leaving out any

heard every word you said

2

: complete entry 1 sense 3, entire

have every confidence in you