what about

idiom

1
: does that include (someone) : how about (someone)
"We're all going to the beach." "What about Kenny?"
2
: how does that affect (someone or something) : what should be done about (someone or something)
"I need to leave—something has come up." "What about the meeting?" "We'll have to reschedule it."
What about the people who can't afford health insurance?
3
used to make a suggestion about what could be done
We'll need to talk about this again. What about (meeting) next week?
There's still time. What about playing another game?
4
used to ask someone to tell one something in response to the thing that one has just said
I like skiing and hiking. What about you? What sports do you like?
Everyone else is coming. What about you?

Examples of what about in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web And for that matter, what about the pansies, ornamental kale, and other colorful annuals that are popular for autumn displays? Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2024 But what about the harms caused by mining for battery minerals? Camila Domonoske, NPR, 23 Sep. 2024 Cider mills and pumpkin patches are all well and good, but what about something to satisfy your sweet tooth? Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 21 Sep. 2024 And what about companies using outdated technology? Shep Hyken, Forbes, 22 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for what about 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'what about.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Dictionary Entries Near what about

Cite this Entry

“What about.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/what%20about. Accessed 25 Oct. 2024.

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