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.
"Whilst Andrew Bailey and I have our disagreements, I would never take it that far!"
From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026
Whilst these devices are designed for longer term space missions, the recent Artemis II mission around the moon took a specially developed exercise device called the flywheel.
From BBC • May 22, 2026
"Whilst challenging, all schools are expected to act reasonably and with due regard for the health, wellbeing and dignity of all pupils."
From BBC • May 16, 2026
"Whilst recognising that things are not OK, I am relentlessly positive," he says.
From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026
Whilst others struggled through the snows atop weary horses, she rode upon a bed of furs inside a wayn, with a stiff canvas roof to keep the snow off, comfortable in her chains.
From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin
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.
