each

UK: /ˈiːtʃ/ US: /itʃ/ ,(ēch)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

each /itʃ/   adj. 

1. every one of a group of two or more members, considered individually or one by one: [before a singular countable noun]
   Each student has a different solution to the problem.
   [after a plural noun or pronoun]
   The students each have a different solution to the problem.

pron. 

2. every one individually;
   each one:
   Each has a different solution to the problem.
   [~ + of + the/my/these/etc. + plural noun]
   Each of these students has a different solution to the problem.

adv. 

3. to, from, or for each;
   apiece:
   The pens cost a dollar each.

Synonyms

The pronouns or adjectives each and every contrast in meaning but are sometimes confused or misused because both may be followed by a singular count noun:
Each/Every student is a winner.
each separates a group into individuals, but every emphasizes the similarity of all the members of a group:
Each pianist plays that piece a little differently. Every pianist plays that piece the same way.

Usage

When the adjective each follows a plural subject, the verb agrees with the subject: The houses each have central heating. When each is used as a pronoun, it is singular; when it is followed by an of phrase containing a plural noun or pronoun, it requires a singular verb: Each of the candidates has spoken on the issue. However, plural verbs occur frequently even in edited writing. Usage guides also advise that when referring to each with a pronoun, the pronoun must be singular:
Each club member had his own project.
But the use of plural pronouns has been increasing in the U.S., as in Each club member had their own project, partially to avoid sexism (that is, the use of his when meaning his or her). These same patterns of pronoun agreement are followed in the use of anyone, anybody, everyone, everybody, no one, someone, and somebody. See also they.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

each  (ēch), adj. 

1. every one of two or more considered individually or one by one:
   each stone in a building; a hallway with a door at each end.

pron. 

2. every one individually;
   each one:
   Each had a different solution to the problem.

adv. 

3. to, from, or for each;
   apiece:
   They cost a dollar each.

• bef. 900; Middle English eche, Old English ælc, equivalent. to ā ever (see ay¹) + (ge)līc alike; cognate with Old High German ēo-gilīh, Old Frisian ellīk, Dutch, Low German elk

Synonyms

• 1. Each, every are alike in having a distributive meaning. Of two or more members composing an aggregate,
  each directs attention to the separate members in turn:
  Each child
  (of those considered and enumerated) received a large apple. Every emphasizes inclusiveness or universality:
  Every child
  (of all in existence) likes to play.

Usage

The adjective each is always followed by a singular noun:
each person; each book.
When the adjective follows a plural subject, the verb agrees with the subject:
They each dress in different styles.
The houses each have central heating.
When the pronoun each comes immediately before the verb, it always takes a singular verb:
Each comes (not come) from a different country.
When the pronoun is followed by an of phrase containing a plural noun or pronoun, there is a tendency for the verb to be plural:
Each of the candidates has (or have) spoken on the issue.
Some usage guides maintain that only the singular verb is correct, but plural verbs occur frequently even in edited writing.
It is also sometimes said that the pronoun each must always be referred to by a singular pronoun, but again actual usage does not regularly observe this stricture:
Each member of our garden club had their own special interests.
In the most formal speech and writing, singular verbs and pronouns occur more frequently than plural:
Each member … had his own special interests.
The use of plural forms, especially plural pronouns, has been increasing in the United States, partially because of the desire to avoid using he or his to refer to a female.
Anyone, anybody, everyone, everybody, no one, someone, and somebody follow the same general patterns of pronoun agreement as each. See also they. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

each / iːtʃ/ determiner

1. every (one) of two or more considered individually: each day, each person
2. (as pronoun): each gave according to his or her ability

adverb

1. for, to, or from each one; apiece: four apples each

Etymology: Old English ǣlc; related to Old High German ēogilīh, Old Frisian ellik, Dutch elkUSAGE
Each is a singular pronoun and should be used with a singular form of a verb: each of the candidates was (not were) interviewed separately