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Definition of meanwhile

meanwhile

/ˈmiːnˌwaɪl/
mean · while
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meanwhile Lexical Profile

meanwhile Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In the intervening period of time; before a particular event happens or while something else is taking place.

Example

"The new software update will be released next month; meanwhile, users can rely on the temporary patch."

2

At the same time, especially in another place or as a contrasting aspect of a situation.

Example

"The main conference was held in the auditorium; meanwhile, smaller workshops took place in the adjacent rooms."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

The intervening time or period between two events (almost always used in the phrase 'in the meanwhile').

Example

"Our flight has been delayed by two hours, so we can grab lunch in the meanwhile."

Synonyms
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• Nearby Words

means
meanspiritedness
meantime
meanwhile
measles
measly
measurability

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English as a compound of the phrase 'in the mean while', where 'mean' carried the Old French sense of 'intervening' or 'middle' (from Latin medianus) and 'while' came from Old English hwil ('a space of time').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Meanwhile. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/meanwhile
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