DictionaryAI

whenever

wuh-NEV-ur/wəˈnɛvɚ/UKwuh-NEV-uh/wəˈnɛvə/

5 meanings of whenever

Practice

  1. 1
    every timeconjunction
    Each time that something happens.

    Whenever it rains, the dog hides under the bed.

    She smiles whenever her grandson calls.

    UsageHere whenever means every time. For one time you already know, use when.

  2. 2
    anytime at allconjunction
    At any time, no matter when it is.

    You can visit us whenever you like.

    Stop by whenever you have time.

    UsageOften in whenever you like. Use the present tense: whenever you're ready.

    Note
  3. 3
    anytime at alladverb
    At any time at all.

    You can come over whenever, since we're always home.

    There's no set time, so visit whenever.

    UsageUsually at the end: come over whenever.

    Similaranytime

    Note
  4. 4
    at the timeconjunctiondialectalIrelandUS
    When something happens.

    We lived on a small farm whenever I was born.

    I was only twelve whenever my grandma died.

    UsageFor one time in the past, most people say when.

    Similarwhen

    Note

Less common meaning

  1. 5
    surprised questionadverbinterrogative
    A stronger way of asking 'when,' used to show surprise or impatience.

    Whenever did you learn to cook like this?

    Whenever will they finish the road work?

    UsageYou can also write it as two words: when ever.

    Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of whenever apart? Answer 4 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

From Middle English, made from the words "when" and "ever".

Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 2 facts