meanwhile

adverb
UK: /ˈmiːn.waɪl/
US: /ˈmiːn.waɪl/

  1. During the time that something else is happening.

    1. I'll do the dishes; meanwhile, you can sweep the floor. [ ] [ ]
    2. She's gone shopping; meanwhile, I'm going to do some work in the garden while she is away. [ ] [ ]

  2. Used to compare two different events or situations.

    1. He was working hard; meanwhile, his brother was relaxing. [ ] [ ]
    2. The company is cutting costs; meanwhile, its chief executive is spending more money. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

in the interim in the meantime whilst during
meanwhile noun

  1. The time while something else is happening.

    1. The printer is not working; in the meanwhile, use the scanner. [ ] [ ]
    2. There will be a short delay; in the meanwhile, please take a seat and be patient. [ ] [ ]
meanwhile conjunction

  1. At the same time, but.

    1. He says he's broke, meanwhile driving a fancy car. [ ] [ ]
    2. They claim to support local business, meanwhile, they shop online for everything. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "meanwhile" in English means: During the time that something else is happening., Used to compare two different events or situations..

The phonetic transcription of "meanwhile" is /ˈmiːn.waɪl/ in British English and /ˈmiːn.waɪl/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "meanwhile": in the interim, in the meantime, whilst, during.

Example usage of "meanwhile": "I'll do the dishes; meanwhile, you can sweep the floor.". More examples on the page.