mean‧while W2 /ˈmiːnwaɪl/
adverb [sentence adverb]1. while something else is happening:
Cook the sauce over a medium heat until it thickens. Meanwhile start boiling the water for the pasta.2. (
also in the meanwhile) in the period of time between two events:
The flight will be announced soon. Meanwhile, please remain seated. I knew I wouldn’t get my exam results for several weeks, and I wasn’t sure what to do in the meanwhile.3. used to compare two things, especially if they are completely different and are happening at the same time:
The incomes of male professionals went up by almost 80%. Meanwhile, part-time women workers saw their earnings fall. [TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲
while during the time that you are doing something, or something is happening:
I bought a magazine while I was waiting for the train. While we were on holiday, my bag was stolen.meanwhile at the same time as something else is happening:
They’re still working on our bedroom. Meanwhile, we’re sleeping downstairs. The Russians, meanwhile, declared war on August 8.in the meantime during the period of time between now and a future event, or between two events in the past:
More aid is expected soon, but in the meantime these people are going hungry. My new job hadn’t started, so in the meantime I tried to write a book.whilst British English while.
Whilst sounds a little more formal than
while:
One American plane was forced to land whilst flying over North Korea. Whilst all this was going on, the performers were getting ready for the show.when at or during the time that something happens:
Call me when you get home. When I got here, the place was empty.whenever used in order to emphasize that something always happens when another thing happens:
He visits his mother whenever he can. You can come and talk to me whenever you have a problem.by the time used in order to say that one thing has or will have already happened when something else happens:
By the time a child is five, he will have watched hundreds of hours of television. [TahlilGaran] English Thesaurus ▲