Definition of why
: for what cause, reason, or purpose
- why did you do it?
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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
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Get our daily newsletter If tiny Uruguay can be so successful, why not much larger or richer countries?
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No officials commented publicly on why exactly the police chief was placed on administrative leave.
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And in fact, the burning of the White House may be the worst possible example to justify a trade dispute — because one of the reasons why the White House burned was because of a trade dispute.
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Insurers in several states have requested large rate hikes for 2019, with many pointing to steps taken by President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress as the main reasons why.
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That's why Cicchinelli, who is also the CEO of Pure Romance, on Thursday welcomed to city Chad Griffin, president of the Human Rights Campaign.
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Wednesday night was the exact reason why the Warriors signed Kevin Durant.
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This also at least in part explains why solar campaign giving has shifted from blue to red.
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More: Boost Mobile founder is against the T-Mobile-Sprint merger: Here's 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.
Origin and Etymology of why
Middle English, from Old English hwȳ, instrumental case of hwæt what — more at what
NEW! Time Traveler
First Known Use: before 12th century
in the meaning defined above
See Words from the same yearDefinition 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
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Makes perfect sense in a why-has-no-one-ever-thought-of-that-before way, no?
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For many in Westbury, not knowing the how or the why of this homicide case haunts them.
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The following story, about the how and the why, was pieced together using Austin’s own words.
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Once the why-does-this-take-so-long process of deboarding finishes, the NAU contingent wanders from A to B (gates) of Terminal 4.
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But the why of space in its economic context is just as important—maybe even more so.
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Where are the lengthy, the tedious, the why-is-this taking-so-long flights?
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History doesn’t often remember the why, just the what.
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And every time someone takes a knee or raises a fist, viewers must grapple with the why—with the uncomfortable reality that our country daily marginalizes thousands of people in impoverished communities.
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
Related Words
antecedent, cause, consideration, impetus, incentive, inspiration, instigation, occasion, stimulus;
Definition 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
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And why, oh why, can’t this administration get anything, even a pair of shoes, right?
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And why, oh why, did my friend have to play back-alley obstetrician?
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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?
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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
Definition of why for English Language Learners
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: for what reason or purpose
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—used to offer a suggestion or to say that a course of action is not necessary
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—used to express irritation or annoyance
why
Definition of why for English Language Learners
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: the cause, reason, or purpose for which
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: for which
why
Definition of why for English Language Learners
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—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?
Definition of why for Students
1
: the cause or reason for which
- We know why you did it.
2
: for which
- Here's the reason why I did it.
Definition of why for Students
—used to express surprise, uncertainty, approval, disapproval, or impatience
- Why, how did you know that?
Learn More about why
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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
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