Meanwhile
/ˈmiːnwaɪl/
Definitions
During the intervening time; at or during the same time.
/ˈmiːnwaɪl/
During the intervening time
She's studying for her exams. Meanwhile, he's traveling around Europe.
💡 Simply: Imagine two friends are doing different things. One is making a pizza, and the other is watching a movie. 'Meanwhile,' the movie is getting exciting while the pizza is baking. It means at the same time!
👶 For kids: It means at the same time, but while something else is happening. Like, I am playing games, and meanwhile, my mom is cooking dinner!
More Examples
The rain started, and meanwhile, we found shelter under a tree.
I'll make the coffee; meanwhile, please set the table.
How It's Used
"I'll finish this report. Meanwhile, could you start on the next project?"
"She was cooking dinner. Meanwhile, he was setting the table."
Idioms & expressions
in the meanwhile
During the intervening period; at the same time as something else is happening.
"We'll wait for the results; in the meanwhile, let's prepare the celebration."
From Middle English *menewhile*, from *men* (plural of *man*, meaning 'time' or 'period') + *while*. It originally meant 'during the time'.
The word 'meanwhile' has been used since the 14th century and has consistently carried the meaning of 'during that time'.
Memory tip
Think of two different things happening simultaneously. Meanwhile connects them.