but what

phrase

: that … not

—used to indicate possibility or uncertainty

I don't know but what I will go.

Examples of but what in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sticking to music was a given, but what that would look like without two of her closest friends by her side was unclear. — Karla Cote, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026

The overall trend in pet ownership is millennials treating their pet as a member of their family (and spending on products like insurance as a result), but what kind of family member? — Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026

In these transitional months, everyone has their own premonitions about what trends will dominate the season ahead, but what will actually happen is pretty much anyone’s guess. — Joan Kennedy, Vogue, 8 Sep. 2026

The Horrorland has come a long way since then, but what hasn’t changed is the team’s passion for creating an unforgettable experience for their guests. — Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for but what

• abut
• catgut
• chesnut
• chestnut
• donut
• doughnut
• groundnut
• haircut
• hindgut
• midgut
• precut
• rebut