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Synonyms

whilst

American  
[hwahylst, wahylst] / ʰwaɪlst, waɪlst /

conjunction

  1. Chiefly British. while.


whilst British  
/ waɪlst /

conjunction

  1. another word for while while while while while

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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