whenever
Americanconjunction
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at whatever time; at any time when.
Come whenever you like.
-
when? (used emphatically).
Whenever did he say that?
conjunction
adverb
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no matter when
it'll be here, whenever you decide to come for it
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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.
The stakes go far beyond daily routines or vacation itineraries; small businesses lose out on potential foot traffic and revenue whenever a thunderstorm icon appears, even if it’s bright and sunny outside.
From Slate ● Aug. 21, 2026
"We all have a duty to call out bad behaviour whenever we see it."
From Barron's ● Aug. 20, 2026
“They work from home, make six figures, have a good work-life balance and can take breaks pretty much whenever they want.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 19, 2026
In an age before digital photography, troops were often eager to get their picture snapped whenever they saw him.
From BBC ● Aug. 18, 2026
It reminded me of home because we all used to do that whenever there were palm nuts in the kitchen.
From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo
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.
