Meanwhile Meaning
/ˈmiːnwaɪl/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe time between two events.
advDuring the time that something is happening, often specifically in a different place.
Sentence Examples
Meanwhile, the foolish uncle was sitting in the living room.
Meanwhile, a new year began.
Leave the cake to cool completely. Meanwhile
CEFR Practice Quiz
He was studying for the exam; ____, his friends were playing video games all night.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
She was busy preparing the dinner ____, her husband was setting the table in the dining room.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English menewhile, equivalent to mean (“intermediate”) + while. Adverb is by ellipsis from in the mean while, noun being conventionally written as one word after the adjective.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Meanwhile Nanny Broome was recovering from her initial panic and seemed anxious to make up for any kudos she might have lost, by exerting her personality to the utmost. She took the policeman's helmet and placed it on a chair, and unfolded his tunic to shake it and fold it up again for him."
— 1963, Margery Allingham, chapter 19, in The China Governess: A Mystery, London: Chatto & Windus, →OCLC:
"The day may dawn when fair play, love for one's fellow men, respect for justice and freedom, will enable tormented generations to march forth triumphant from the hideous epoch in which we have to dwell. Meanwhile, never flinch, never weary, never despair."
— 1955 March 1, Winston Churchill, “Defence”, in parliamentary debates (House of Commons), column 1905:
"“[…] I’m not ignoring you, I’m very sorry, I’ll talk to you soon. Meanwhile, get your tickets.”"
— 2004, David Osterczy, Interknot: Adventures in Internet Dating, →ISBN, page 134:
"When you are in the studio you don’t have anybody to feed off of, meanwhile when you are playing live you interact with people and you feel the energy in the room."
— 2013 March 29, Markos Papadatos, quoting Marina Diamandis, “Marina And The Diamonds on 'How to be a Heartbreaker'”, in Greek Reporter:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
He was studying for the exam; ____, his friends were playing video games all night.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
She was busy preparing the dinner ____, her husband was setting the table in the dining room.