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.
He also said he wanted to see a "sustained increase" in defence investment, without committing to a specific target, whilst being "more open with the public" about cost overruns or delays to military procurement.
From BBC • Jul. 9, 2026
"It takes me roughly 45 minutes. Walking is a great way for me to decompress before and after work and also speak on the phone to my family whilst doing some form of exercise."
From BBC • Jul. 3, 2026
"Nature restores and reestablishes itself very quickly," she said, noting that whilst the freshly-broken ground looks harsh, it will soon "become more natural."
From BBC • Jul. 1, 2026
Sales on Amazon nearly doubled last week compared with the same period in 2025, whilst electronics outlet Fnac Darty reported double-digit growth.
From Barron's • Jun. 23, 2026
He give a long hard sigh and his shoulders sagged whilst he put his hands o’er his eyes.
From "The Journey of Little Charlie" 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.
