be·tween / biˈtwēn/ (abbr.: bet.) • prep. 1. at, into, or across the space separating (two objects or regions): ∎  expressing location: traffic was at a standstill between exits 12 and 14. ∎  expressing movement to a point: the dog crawled between us and lay down at our feet. ∎  expressing movement from one side or point to the other and back again: traveling by train between London and Paris. 2. in the period separating (two points in time): they snack between meals. 3. in the interval separating (two points on a scale): a man aged between 18 and 30 the difference between income and expenditure. 4. indicating a connection or relationship involving two or more parties: links between science and industry. ∎  with reference to a collision or conflict: a collision in midair between two light aircraft above Geneva the wars between Russia and Poland. ∎  with reference to a choice or differentiation involving two or more things being considered together: if you have to choose between two or three different options. 5. by combining the resources or actions of (two or more people or other entities): China and India between them account for a third of the global population. ∎  shared by (two or more people or things): they had drunk between them a bottle of Chianti. • adv. 1. in or along the space separating two objects or regions: layers of paper with tar in between from Leipzig to Dresden, with the gentle Elbe flowing between. 2. in the period separating two points in time: sets of exercises with no rest in between. PHRASES: between ourselves (or you and me) in confidence: just between you and me, I don't think it is going to happen.