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Definition of what
1a (1) —used as an interrogative expressing inquiry about the identity, nature, or value of an object or matter what is this what is wealth without friends what does he earn what hath God wrought (2) —often used to ask for repetition of an utterance or part of an utterance not properly heard or understood you said whatb (1) archaic : who 1 —used as an interrogative expressing inquiry about the identity of a person (2) —used as an interrogative expressing inquiry about the character, nature, occupation, position, or role of a person what do you think I am, a fool what is she, that all our swains commend her — William Shakespearec —used as an exclamation expressing surprise or excitement and frequently introducing a question what, no breakfastd —used in expressions directing attention to a statement that the speaker is about to make you know whate (1) —used at the end of a question to express inquiry about additional possibilities is it raining, or snowing, or what (2) —used with or at the end of a question usually in expectation of agreement is this exciting, or whatf chiefly British —used at the end of an utterance as a form of tag question a clever play, what
3a : that which : the one or ones that no income but what he gets from his writings —sometimes used in reference to a clause or phrase that is yet to come or is not yet complete gave also, what is more valuable, understandingb : the thing or things that what you need is a vacation what angered us was the tone of the article
what for
1 : for what purpose or reason : why —usually used with the other words of a question between what and for what did you do that for except when used alone
2 : harsh treatment especially by blows or by a sharp reprimand gave him what for in violent Spanish — New Yorker
what have you
: whatnot novels, plays, short stories, travelogues, and what have you — Haldeen Braddy
what if
1 : what will or would be the result if
what of
what's more
what's what
what though
Explore Merriam-Webster
Origin and Etymology of what
Middle English, from Old English hwæt, neuter of hwā who — more at who
what
Definition of what
1 obsolete : why
2 : in what respect : how what does he care
3 —used to introduce prepositional phrases in parallel construction or a prepositional phrase that expresses cause and usually has more than one object ; used principally before phrases beginning with with what with unemployment increasing what with the war, what with the sweat, what with the gallows, and what with poverty, I am custom-shrunk — William Shakespeare
First Known Use of what
before 12th century
what
Definition of what
1a —used as an interrogative expressing inquiry about the identity, nature, or value of a person, object, or matter what minerals do we exportb : how remarkable or striking for good or bad qualities —used especially in exclamatory utterances and dependent clauses what mountains remember what fun we had what a suggestion what a charming girl
2a (1) : whatever 1a (2) : any ornament of what description soeverb : the … that : as much or as many … as rescued what survivors they found
Recent Examples of what from the Web
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Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who's still traveling in Europe, says that schools will open September 5, no matter what Rauner does about funding.
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Senior Matt Boyle, the biggest newcomer on offense as Jack Sznajder's successor at quarterback, knows what a Cooney brings to the table.
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IndyStar: What stands out to you in Matt Balis’ workouts?
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The costumes were incredible, and a highlight for the kids was guessing what kinds of insects were performing.
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Customers over 65 years old will be asked additional questions to catch any discrepancies between what they were told by contractors and what contractors submit to the lender.
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In what ways does this distinct setting influence the story?
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If our medieval predecessors felt it important enough to create and save these texts centuries ago, there’s no telling what discoveries could be revealed under the light of the Manuscript Illuminator.
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Francona has been undergoing tests to determine what has been causing lightheadedness and increasing his heart rate.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'what.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of what
13th century
WHAT Defined for English Language Learners
what
playDefinition of what for English Language Learners
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—used to ask for information about someone or something
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—used to describe a question
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—used to express surprise, excitement, etc.
what
Definition of what for English Language Learners
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: in what way
what
Definition of what for English Language Learners
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—used to ask someone to indicate the identity or nature of someone or something
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—used to say that someone or something is remarkable for having good or bad qualities
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—used to refer to an amount that someone has, uses, etc.
WHAT Defined for Kids
Definition of what for Students
1 : which thing or things What happened?
2 : which sort of thing or person What is this? What are they, doctors? … “what could be more important than doing unimportant things?” — Norton Juster, The Phantom Tollbooth
3 : that which Do what you're told. From what he said, I guessed he was new.
4 —used to ask someone to repeat something You did what?
5 : 1whatever 1 Take what you need.
what for
: 1why He seemed in a very bad temper … though I could not tell what for. — Anna Sewell, Black Beauty
what if
1 : what would happen if What if they find out?
2 : what does it matter if So what if they do? I don't care.
Learn More about what
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for what Spanish Central: Translation of what Nglish: Translation of what for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of what for Arabic speakers
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