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View synonyms for

meanwhile

[meen-hwahyl, -wahyl]

adverb

  1. in the intervening time; during the interval.

  2. at the same time.

    Meanwhile, the others were back home enjoying themselves.

meanwhile

/ ˈːˌɲɪ /

adverb

  1. during the intervening time or period

  2. at the same time, esp in another place

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. another word for meantime

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of meanwhile1

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English; mean 3 + while
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Former tennis player Wade, meanwhile, is the only British woman to have won titles at all four majors.

From

MLS, meanwhile, will reportedly earn more than $28 million from its teams’ participation in the tournament.

From

The White House, meanwhile, has sent mixed messages.

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A threshold of between £24,000 to £28,000 meanwhile would put more emphasis on economic wellbeing - both of the families themselves and for taxpayers.

From

Clayton Kershaw, meanwhile, recounted the revolving door of rival foes the Dodgers have faced over his 18 years with the team.

From

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When To Use

does meanwhile mean?

Meanwhile means in or during the time between the current time and the time when something else happens, as in Our guests will arrive in about an hour—meanwhile, let’s get the food ready. It can also mean at the same time, as in When I got to my apartment, I realized I had forgotten my key—meanwhile, everyone was already hiding inside for my surprise party. Both of these senses of meanwhile are adverbs. As an adverb, meanwhile is often used at the beginning of a sentence to connect the statement that follows with something that was just mentioned.The word meantime can also be used as an adverb in the same ways that meanwhile is, but meanwhile is much more commonly as an adverb.Meanwhile can also be used as a noun meaning the period of time between two events, as in The power will come back on soon, so let’s just enjoy the quiet in the meanwhile. The word meantime is much more commonly used in this way.Example: Mix the batter; meanwhile, preheat the oven.

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