wherewith

American  

[wair-with, -with, hwair-] / wɛərˈwɪθ, -ˈwɪð, ʰwɛər- /

adverb

1. Literary. with which; by means of which.

2. Archaic.

   1. with what?

   2. because of which; by reason of which.

   3. whereupon; at which.

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pronoun

1. Archaic. that by which; that with which.

noun

1. Rare. wherewithal.

wherewith British  

/ wɛəˈwɪθ, -ˈwɪð /

pronoun

1. (often foll by an infinitive) with or by which

   the pen wherewith I am wont to write

2. something with which

   I have not wherewith to buy my bread

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adverb

1. with what?

1. with or after that; whereupon

Etymology

Origin of wherewith

First recorded in 1150–1200, wherewith is from the Middle English word wherwith. See where, with

Example Sentences

Cruz aspires to obtain her PhD in neuroscience, wherewith to study Alzheimer's and neurodegenerative diseases, but her undocumented status causes a lot of uncertainty.

From Scientific American • Dec. 12, 2018

I presented them with some red caps, and strings of glass beads to wear upon the neck, and many other trifles of small value, wherewith they were much delighted, and became wonderfully attached to us.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2012

Cogent in arousing Equity support has been the oldtime rumor that certain producers keep a blacklist among themselves, wherewith to discipline actors.

From Time Magazine Archive

Meanwhile totally lacking is any insignia of distinguished service wherewith the U.S. may pay tribute to the many heroisms of its Merchant Marine.�ED.

From Time Magazine Archive

There was very much to praise, certainly, but there was also much wherewith to find fault.

From Ladies on Horseback Learning, Park-Riding, and Hunting, with Hints upon Costume, and Numerous Anecdotes by Lambert, Nannie