though

1 of 2

conjunction

ˈt͟hō 

1

: in spite of the fact that : while

Though they know the war is lost, they continue to fight …

—Bruce Bliven †1977

2

: in spite of the possibility that : even if

though I may fail, I will try

though

2 of 2

adverb

: however, nevertheless

It's hard work. I enjoy it though

Synonyms of though

Conjunction

• although
• but
• while

Adverb

• however
• nevertheless
• nonetheless

Examples of though in a Sentence

Conjunction

Though it was raining, we went hiking.

though it has no well-known actors in it, the movie has become the sleeper hit of the summer

Adverb

Even as late as 1492, all of North America, sub-Saharan Africa, Australia, New Guinea, and the Pacific islands, and most of Central and South America didn't have states and instead operated under simpler forms of societal organization (chiefdoms, tribes, and bands). Today, though, the whole world map is divided into states. —Jared M. Diamond, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 21, 2008

I'd have thought the guy'd remember me and my car …  . He didn't act like it though … —Dagoberto Gilb, The Magic of Blood, 1993

I know we didn't win—I was happy with how we played, though

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

The Austin city manager makes more money than Jones, though, with a $538,608 salary, data from the Austin American-Statesman shows. —Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2026

The police opened the investigation into these claims in 2016, and the BBC was made aware in 2017 (though, BBC News has said, then-director-general Tony Hall did not know about the investigation). —Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2026

Despite its significance, though, the senior deduction is one of the more misunderstood provisions in the tax code — and now there's a new one on top of it. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026

Generally, though, the intensity of the justices’ questions dropped off during her presentation, often a signal of where the court will come out. —Mark Sherman, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Conjunction and Adverb

Middle English, adverb & conjunction, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse thō nevertheless; akin to Old English thēah nevertheless, Old High German doh

First Known Use

Conjunction

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing though

• as though
• even though
• what though

Rhymes for though

• beau
• beaux
• blow
• boe
• bro
• coe
• crow
• doe
• doh
• dough
• eau
• eaux

Kids Definition

though

1 of 2 conjunction

(ˈ)t͟hō 

: in spite of the fact or possibility that

though it was raining, we went hiking

though

2 of 2 adverb

: however entry 2 sense 2, nevertheless

not for long, though