Definition of MEANWHILE

meanwhile

Meanings

Plural: meanwhiles

Noun

  • the time between one event, process, or period and another
    • "meanwhile the socialists are running the government"
  • The time between two events.

Adverb

  • at the same time but in another place
    • "meanwhile, back at the ranch..."
  • during the intervening time
    • "meanwhile I will not think about the problem"

Adv

  • During the time that something is happening, often specifically in a different place.
  • During an intervening time; from now until a future time.
  • In contrast to aspects previously mentioned.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English menewhile, equivalent to mean (“intermediate”) + while. Adverb is by ellipsis from in the mean while, noun being conventionally written as one word after the adjective.

Synonyms

at the same time, between-time, for now, in the meantime, interim, lag, meantime, meanwhilst, on the other hand, the while, until then

Scrabble Score: 17

meanwhile is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
meanwhile is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
meanwhile is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 19

meanwhile is a valid Words With Friends word