what for


For what purpose or reason, why, as in I know you're going to England, but what for? [Mid-1700s]

Words Nearby what for

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

How to use what for in a sentence

  • Dreer would be sure to go to Josh and Penny'd get what-for; and then it would be good-bye, scholarship!

    Left Tackle Thayer | Ralph Henry Barbour
  • We had the immortal cinch on him, and if he got fresh, two or three of us would pitch on him and give him "what-for."

    The Road | Jack London
  • Give you a lot of invaluable suggestions as to how to mix up little 'what-for-you's.'

    Stubble | George Looms
  • You can take it from me that this is patent, double-extra-what-for.

    Wounds in the rain | Stephen Crane
  • I think it's what-for and because that make it so much better.

    The Other Girls | Mrs. A. D. T. Whitney