What does meanwhile mean?
“Meanwhile” is an adverb used to connect actions or developments occurring at the same time, or to describe what happens during the interval between two events. It can introduce a parallel event, as in “Meanwhile, the researchers continued their analysis,” or signal a shift to contrasting circumstances, as in “Meanwhile, prices continued to rise.” The word is especially useful in news reporting, narrative writing, and formal explanation because it establishes temporal relationships without requiring a subordinate clause. Although its basic meaning is straightforward, it can carry a subtle contrastive implication: what is being described may be separate from the main subject but still significant. “In the meanwhile” is a longer, slightly more formal variant. The word is common in British and American English and is used across journalism, academic prose, literature, and everyday conversation.
adverbAt the same time as something else, or during the period between one event and another. It can also be used to indicate a contrast or a change in circumstances, as in “Meanwhile, the situation elsewhere has improved.”
- At the same time as another event or action.
- During the period between one event and another.
- Used to introduce contrasting or changed circumstances, often in narrative or reporting.
"The negotiations continued for several hours; meanwhile, the two teams prepared for the possibility of a postponement."
"The rain continued throughout the match; meanwhile, the crowd remained in good spirits."
"Meanwhile, the company announced that it would expand its research division."
“Meanwhile” is a time-traveling connector: it lets you leave one event in progress and reveal what was happening elsewhere at the same moment.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does meanwhile come from?
The word dates from the Middle English period and is formed from “mean” in the sense of “middle” or “intervening” together with “while.” Its modern sense of occurring at the same time developed from its earlier use for the intervening period. The closely related noun “meantime” preserves the older conception of an interval between events.
How meanwhile is actually used
The adverb is common in both British and American English. In writing, it often begins a sentence and is followed by a comma, especially when introducing a contrasting development.
Easily confused with meanwhile
“Meanwhile” usually functions as an adverb meaning “at the same time” or “during the intervening period,” whereas “meantime” is commonly a noun meaning “the intervening period” or a time span.