Word
meanwhile
Phoneticsmean·while, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈminˌwaɪɫ/
UK/mˈiːnwaɪl/
Adverb of time
Definitions
01at the same time
B1 · Intermediate
adv. at the same time that something else is happening, usually in a different place.
adv. occurring simultaneously with another event, often used to shift the narrative focus to a different location.
“The chef was preparing the main course; meanwhile, the waiters were setting the tables.”
“The lead scientists monitored the data in the control room; meanwhile, the field team braved the storm to collect physical samples.”
Usage
Usually placed at the beginning of a sentence to connect it to the previous one.
Synonyms
02in the time between
B1 · Intermediate
adv. during the time between now and a future event.
adv. during an intervening period of time; for the time being.
“The bus doesn't arrive for twenty minutes; meanwhile, let's get a coffee.”
“The board will not reach a final decision until next month; meanwhile, the department must continue operating under the current budget.”
Usage
Often used to describe a temporary action while waiting for a primary event.
Synonyms
03the time between
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Literary
n. the period of time between two events.
n. the intervening time or period between two specific events.
“The movie starts at eight, so in the meanwhile, we can walk around the park.”
“The treaty was signed in June, but in the meanwhile, sporadic fighting continued along the border regions.”
Usage
Almost always appears in the fixed phrase 'in the meanwhile'.
Teaching tip
In modern English, 'in the meantime' is much more common than 'in the meanwhile'.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “meanwhile” in context.
Verb
01. meanwhile continue the work
“The manager went to the meeting; meanwhile, the team continued the work on the project.”
adv + verb + noun
02. meanwhile prepare the dinner
“He went to pick up the guests; meanwhile, she prepared the dinner.”
adv + verb + noun
03. meanwhile wait for news
“The rescue team was sent out; meanwhile, we waited for news at the base camp.”
adv + verb + prep + noun
04. meanwhile watch the children
“I need to go to the store; meanwhile, please watch the children for a few minutes.”
adv + verb + noun
Preposition
05. in the meanwhile
“The new computers will arrive next week; in the meanwhile, please use the old ones.”
prep + noun
Etymology
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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
CONJUNCTION
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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