Definition of meanwhile adverb from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary



    BrE BrE//ˈmiːnwaɪl//
    ; NAmE NAmE//ˈmiːnwaɪl//
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  1. 1  (informal meantime) while something else is happening Bob spent fifteen months alone on his yacht. Ann, meanwhile, took care of the children on her own.
  2. 2  (informal meantime) in the period of time between two times or two events The doctor will see you again next week. Meanwhile, you must rest as much as possible.
  3. 3  used to compare two aspects of a situation Stress can be extremely damaging to your health. Exercise, meanwhile, can reduce its effects.
  4. Word Origin late Middle English: from mean (noun) + while.