Meaning & use

meanwhile

adverb·Everyday

During the same period of time as something else, or in contrast to it.

See it in a sentence

The chef prepared dessert; meanwhile, the guests enjoyed appetizers out on the patio.

He studied hard for the exam, and meanwhile his sister practiced piano next door.

A note on using this word

Meanwhile often introduces a contrasting action happening at the same time, linking two clauses or sentences.

Words with a similar meaning

meantime

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Make it your own

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