whilst
Americanconjunction
conjunction
Etymology
Origin of whilst
First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English whilest, equivalent to whiles + excrescent -t as in amongst, amidst
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.
Using the 1981-2010 average of number of days where snow falls in a month, March sees 4.2 snow days whilst there are just 3.9 days on average in December.
From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026
It was noted that "whilst Truffert runs a risk, the contact made was not impactful and therefore below the high threshold for a foul".
From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026
In particular, the U.A.E.—which has long been a financial hub for Iranian businesses and individuals—warned that it could freeze Iranian-owned assets, whilst also debating whether to send military assets into the fight, The Journal reported.
From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026
He said the team was committed to providing a "supportive environment for them whilst they navigate the next stages" but the club would not be commenting further.
From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026
He don’t try to do whittling and nothing else together since he near whittled his little finger off that time whilst telling ’bout how hard he use to work in Kentucky.
From "Elijah of Buxton" by Christopher Paul Curtis
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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.