though

conjunction \ ˈt͟hō \

Definition of though

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

See though defined for English-language learners

See though defined for kids

Examples of though in a Sentence

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

Origin and Etymology of though

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

though Synonyms

Synonyms

albeit, as, howbeit, much as, notwithstanding, although, when, whereas, while, whilst [chiefly British]

Related Words

but, if

though

adverb \ ˈt͟hō \

Definition of though

:however, nevertheless

It's hard work. I enjoy it though

See though defined for English-language learners

Examples of though in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of though from the Web

Instead of driving people away, though, Pelletz says the attention is drawing curious crowds to the site, which sits steps away from Boston's historic Faneuil Hall and other busy tourist attractions.

— collin binkley, chicagotribune.com, "Wax museum revels in ridicule as critics lampoon its statues," 30 Aug. 2017
For the Dolphins, though, a team with a pressing need, due diligence on Haden is a must.

— greg cote, miamiherald, "Pressing need + sudden availability = Joe Haden as perfect cornerback fit for Dolphins," 30 Aug. 2017
In the new clip, though, Andy is shown diffusing a potentially even more awkward situation when Miranda's husband comes over and starts making rude and aggressive comments to the CEO of the magazine's parent company a.k.a.

— zoe weiner, Glamour, "This 'Devil Wears Prada' Deleted Scene Tells a Completely Different Story," 30 Aug. 2017
The commission did not make a decision Monday, though.

— david anderson, The Aegis, "Locations of medical marijuana dispensaries won't be public until state licenses are issued," 29 Aug. 2017
That Clinton didn’t react simply neutralized the moment, though.

— kyle smith, National Review, "Hillary Excuse No. 1,756: Trump Stood Too Close to Me," 28 Aug. 2017
Harvey, which first hit land as a Category 4 hurricane though has since downgraded to a Tropical Storm, is expected to continue to affect the area until mid-week before turning back towards the Gulf.

— sarah weldon, EW.com, "How to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey," 28 Aug. 2017
The phrase rings true for more than just travel though—all sorts of activities and experiences can bring you more joy than any material object ever would.

— jessica mattern, Country Living, "Why Spending Your Money on Experiences—Not Things—Will Make You Happier," 24 Aug. 2017
Not every dog can donate blood though, Hendrickson noted.

— Southern Living, "Meet The Woman Behind Oklahoma’s Only Blood Bank for Dogs," 24 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'though.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.