meanwhile

Meanings

1. 1
   adv

   during the intervening time

   meanwhile I will not think about the problem

2. 2
   adv

   at the same time but in another place

   meanwhile, back at the ranch...

3. 3
   noun

   the time between one event, process, or period and another

   meanwhile the socialists are running the government

4. 4
   noun

   The time between two events.

   In the meanwhile, the surveyors carried the line three miles, which was no contemptible day's work, considering how cruelly they were entangled with briers and gallbushes.

5. 5
   adv

   During the time that something is happening, often specifically in a different place.

   There was a party going on downstairs. Meanwhile, I was reading a book.

6. 6
   adv

   During an intervening time; from now until a future time.

   We’re going on holiday next month; meanwhile, keep working on the project.

7. 7
   adv

   In contrast to aspects previously mentioned.

   Some songs on the album are beautiful. Meanwhile, others are quite forgettable.

Etymology

From Middle English menewhile, equivalent to mean (“intermediate”) + while. Adverb is by ellipsis from in the mean while, noun being conventionally written as one word after the adjective.