Definition of why
:for what cause, reason, or purpose
- why did you do it?
-
Trending Now:
More Trending:
- dotage, dotard otherwise federalism bodega carceral
- ALL
What's Trending Now
More Trending Words
From the M-W Editors
Examples of why in a Sentence
Why did you quit your job?
Why is the sky blue?
Why didn't you call me?
Why didn't I think of that?
“I can't go out tonight.” “Why not?”
Recent Examples of why from the Web
-
With so many deserving perpetrators around the world, why go after al-Werfalli and what might this mean for Libya and the ICC itself?
-
That's why this fall, Joiner plans to turn heads with his rushing antics and stylish cleats.
-
In this op-ed, Lara Witt explores the power of makeup and explains why looking in a mirror is not a waste of time.
-
Why assessments of Trump’s performance vary Assessments of how Trump has handled Harvey depend very much on expectations going in.
-
Residents wondered why the planning board was considering the development before the council had approved the swap, as the project was contingent on that decision.
-
Understanding why long-time GoT fans may feel uneven about an inhuman force possibly becoming the ultimate big bad is easy (GQ has said all season long the show deserves a better villain).
-
That’s why, during a June meeting with his Cabinet and inner circle, 22 people were said to be against and and only three for the plan, pushed by Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and then-senior adviser Steve Bannon.
-
Why didn't Jaime Lannister drown at the end of the Loot Train Battle?
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'why.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of why
Definition of why
1
:the cause, reason, or purpose for which
- know why you did it
- that is why you did it
2
:for which :on account of which
- know the reason why you did it
Examples of why in a Sentence
I know why he did it.
It's easy to see why she fell in love with him.
He's a very good player. That's why he made the team.
The reason why they succeeded is obvious. They worked really hard.
Give me one good reason why I should stay.
First Known Use of why
before 12th century
Definition of why
Examples of why in a Sentence
asked the whys behind the surprising decision
how one decides that a certain he or she is “the one” is one of the great whys of life
Recent Examples of why from the Web
-
A new study from the University of Kent published in the journal Cognition and Emotion puts forth another theory for why some people have such strong negative reactions to little clusters of holes. ‘
-
A new study from the University of Kent published in the journal Cognition and Emotion puts forth another theory for why some people have such strong negative reactions to little clusters of holes.
-
So, how big - why is Islamic State targeting Christians in Egypt?
-
But instead of getting bogged down by the calories consumed or the grams of fat encountered, Alpert turned the conversation to the why.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'why.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of why
13th century
why Synonyms
Synonyms
account, authority, grounds, motive, subject, wherefore, reasonRelated Words
antecedent, cause, consideration, impetus, incentive, inspiration, instigation, occasion, stimulusDefinition of why
—used to express mild surprise, hesitation, approval, disapproval, or impatience
- why, here's what I was looking for
Examples of why in a Sentence
why, what a strange thing to say!
Recent Examples of why from the Web
-
And why, oh why, can’t this administration get anything, even a pair of shoes, right?
-
And why, oh why, did my friend have to play back-alley obstetrician?
-
Then why, oh why, make the misguided choice of inviting a political propagandist whose rantings are regularly available on radio, YouTube and any dark den of far-right Internet conspiracy?
-
Why, oh why, do the Rangers keep throwing away almost certain victories in the final minutes of playoff games?
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'why.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of why
1519
WHY Defined for English Language Learners
why
play
adverb
Definition of why for English Language Learners
-
: for what reason or purpose
-
—used to offer a suggestion or to say that a course of action is not necessary
-
—used to express irritation or annoyance
why
conjunction
Definition of why for English Language Learners
-
: the cause, reason, or purpose for which
-
: for which
why
interjection
Definition of why for English Language Learners
-
—used at the beginning of a statement especially to express surprise
WHY Defined for Kids
Definition of why for Students
:for what cause or reason
- Why did you do it?
Learn More about why
-
See words that rhyme with why Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for why Spanish Central: Translation of why Nglish: Translation of why for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of why for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up why? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!