whenever
Americanconjunction
-
at whatever time; at any time when.
Come whenever you like.
-
when? (used emphatically).
Whenever did he say that?
conjunction
adverb
-
no matter when
it'll be here, whenever you decide to come for it
-
informal at an unknown or unspecified time
I'll take it if it comes today, tomorrow, or whenever
-
an intensive form of when, used in questions
whenever did he escape?
Etymology
Origin of whenever
Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at when, ever
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“They both have a lot going on professionally but make time for each other during the week whenever they can,” the unnamed source added.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026
There was one heavily affected community that revolted whenever the group tried to enter.
From Slate • Jun. 9, 2026
The allegations led to Alexander being kicked out of the department, and he said that he continued to get hassled whenever he visited his mother.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026
A quiet exit from the big stage, whenever it might come, seems unlikely.
From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026
“I’ll give her some money whenever she wants to come see you. You don’t have to give us anything for free.”
From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
