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.
"As such, whilst there has been a reduction, the scheme did not perform as expected, which is disappointing."
From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2026
"In the circumstances, the prosecution suggest the communication that took place is evidence they were all involved in relaying information to and from Mr Baker whilst he was in custody," Tully said.
From BBC ● Sep. 30, 2026
"It would be inappropriate to comment further whilst investigations are ongoing."
From Barron's ● Sep. 27, 2026
"Sat in his dining room with a cup of tea Gwen had made, Harry told me just a small portion of his many many experiences whilst fighting in Burma," Liston said.
From BBC ● Sep. 26, 2026
Ma said, “All right, then, I want you to run on over there and ax if it be all right for her to look after you whilst we’s at the meeting.”
From "Elijah of Buxton" by Christopher Paul Curtis
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.
