DictionaryAI

whilst

WYLST/waɪlst/

US spellingwhile

3 meanings of whilst

Practice

  1. 1
    duringconjunction
    During the time that something else is happening.

    Please keep your phone switched off whilst you are in the exam room.

    He sang to himself whilst he did the washing-up.

    UsageIt works just like while: whilst you wait, whilst in class.

    Similarwhilst, as

    Note
  2. 2
    whereasconjunction
    Used to show how two facts are different, or to accept one point before saying something else.

    Some people love the hot weather, whilst others hate it.

    Whilst the food was good, the service was very slow.

    UsageFor a difference only, whereas or although can be clearer.

    Note
  3. 3
    adverbarchaic
    During that time, while something else is going on.
    Nay, I prethee put on this gown, & this beard, make him beleeue thou art ſir Topas the Curate, doe it quickly. Ile call ſir Toby the whilſt.
    c. 1601, William Shakespeare, “Twelfe Night, or What You Will”
    Hero. Leave, leave, tis novv too late. She is dead, her laſt is breathed. / Cleo[phila]. VVhat ſhall vvee doe. / Her[o]. Goe run, / And tell the Duke; and vvhilſt ile cloſe her eyes.
    c. 1607, Franc[is] Beaumont, Jo[hn] Fletcher
    Note

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Origin

It comes from the old word whiles, meaning “while”, with a -t added at the end. While itself goes back to an Old English word for “a period of time”.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 4 facts