Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

where have you been

idiom

Definition of where have you been

: where were you? : why weren't you here?
  • I've been waiting for you for half an hour. Where have you been?

Word by Word Definitions

where play

  1. : at, in, or to what place

  2. : at, in, or to what situation, position, direction, circumstances, or respect

  3. : here, there

  1. : at, in, or to what place

  2. : at, in, or to what situation, position, direction, circumstances, or respect

  3. : the place or point at, in, or to which

  1. : place, location

  2. : what place, source, or cause

See the full definition of where
you play

  1. : the one or ones being addressed — compare thee, thou, ye, your, yours

  2. : one

See the full definition of you
been

  1. : past participle of be

  2. : to equal in meaning : have the same connotation as : symbolize

  3. : to have identity with : to constitute the same idea or object as

See the full definition of been

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up where have you been? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games