afterwhile

1 of 2

adverb

af·​ter·​while
ˈaf-tər-ˌ(h)wī(-ə)l
: after a while : by and by : later on

afterwhile

2 of 2

noun

af·​ter·​while
ˈaf-tər-ˌ(h)wī(-ə)l

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

contraction of after a while

Noun

after- + while entry 1

First Known Use

Adverb

1834, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1868, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of afterwhile was in 1834

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near afterwhile

Cite this Entry

“Afterwhile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/afterwhile. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!