meanwhile

[ meen-hwahyl, -wahyl ]

noun

1. meantime.

adverb

1. in the intervening time; during the interval.
2. at the same time:

   Meanwhile, the others were back home enjoying themselves.

meanwhile

/ ˈmiːnˌwaɪl /

adverb

1. during the intervening time or period
2. at the same time, esp in another place

noun

1. another word for meantime

Word History and Origins

Origin of meanwhile¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English; mean ³ + while

Example Sentences

Some nations and corporations, meanwhile, have been retreating from their climate commitments.

From Los Angeles Times

On other issues, meanwhile, it has slowed progress.

From BBC

Few Republicans seemed willing, meanwhile, to circle the wagons round one of the most unpopular lawmakers in the House.

From BBC

That could have been the end of the story—but meanwhile, on the other side of the world, someone else was also looking for the secrets of longevity.

From Science Magazine

The rest of the tire, meanwhile, can be recycled using classic plastic recycling methods -- a plus, given there currently are no alternatives for tires in general.

From Science Daily

More About Meanwhile

What does meanwhile mean?

Meanwhile means in or during the time between the current time and the time when something else happens, as in Our guests will arrive in about an hour—meanwhile, let’s get the food ready. 

It can also mean at the same time, as in When I got to my apartment, I realized I had forgotten my key—meanwhile, everyone was already hiding inside for my surprise party. 

Both of these senses of meanwhile are adverbs. As an adverb, meanwhile is often used at the beginning of a sentence to connect the statement that follows with something that was just mentioned.

The word meantime can also be used as an adverb in the same ways that meanwhile is, but meanwhile is much more commonly as an adverb.

Meanwhile can also be used as a noun meaning the period of time between two events, as in The power will come back on soon, so let’s just enjoy the quiet in the meanwhile. The word meantime is much more commonly used in this way.

Example: Mix the batter; meanwhile, preheat the oven.

Where does meanwhile come from?

The first records of meanwhile come from the 1300s. The mean in meanwhile is the sense of the word that means “occupying a middle position or an intermediate place.” When used as a noun, while means “a period or interval of time.”

Meanwhile is often used in discussions that involve things happening or being done while waiting for something else to happen. It’s also commonly used in descriptions of events happening at the same time. For example, Meanwhile… might be used as a caption in a comic or graphic novel to show that something is happening at the same time as what was shown in the previous panel. This is often used for comedic effect.

The expression meanwhile, back at the ranch is used as a humorous transition from one topic or discussion to another. It’s a reference to TV Westerns returning to the main setting (the ranch) to show what’s happening there after having shown action elsewhere.

Did you know ... ?

What are some synonyms for meanwhile?

• meantime
• concurrently
• simultaneously
• at the same time

What are some words that share a root or word element with meanwhile? 

 

• erstwhile
• meantime

What are some words that often get used in discussing meanwhile?

• do
• go
• time
• back

How is meanwhile used in real life?

Meanwhile is a very common word that can be used in all kinds of contexts. It’s usually used at the beginning of a sentence.

We will publish something interesting this weekend.
Meanwhile, let's take a look at @_rykllan 's beautiful Falcon family low poly model closeups.

EarthX will use these models in 0.3.3 and forward!#SpaceX pic.twitter.com/kbHICtvAXX

— EarthX (@EarthxGame) January 29, 2021

Ugo Humbert back in front. Point penalty for Nick Kyrgios for unsportsmanlike conduct after he was broken. Humbert takes the third set 6-3.

Halep, meanwhile, back at 5-5.

— George Bellshaw (@BellshawGeorge) February 10, 2021

Just got an e mail from a guy complaining about the terrible movies we’ve been showing , like “ The Invisible Man”- and how he and all his friends feel that way, and we’re losing viewers. Meanwhile, in the real world, our ratings nationally have never been higher.

— Svengoolie (@Svengoolie) February 16, 2021

 

Try using meanwhile!

Is meanwhile used correctly in the following sentence? 

My younger sister just got engaged—meanwhile, I can’t even get a date!