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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That’s why, exactly in the middle of that 38-year period, 12 million of the chests were recalled.
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Experts don’t know why this affects some people and not others and have found that simply continuing with antibiotic treatment can do more harm to a person’s system than good, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
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Citing statute and specific reason why a meeting should be closed are in accordance with a model closed meeting statement post on the Maryland Attorney General’s Office website.
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Some have said expensive internet here is one reason why.
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Charlotte’s apartment-building boom doesn’t show any signs of slowing down, and a deal announced Friday shows one reason why: Investors are still looking to buy.
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This is why the Mets have listened to trade offers for many of their players, including Syndergaard, the All-Star pitcher Jacob deGrom and pitcher Zack Wheeler, who has received a good amount of interest because of his lower acquisition cost.
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Both the director and assistant director quit on the first day (which is why Loeb and Allyn are now directing), as did the costumer, location manager, and several other crew members.
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Those two passes are worth $350, so why not give it a shot?
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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And the why is that it’s, unfortunately, human nature that has presented itself in so many, many ways.
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Businesses and individuals are expected to operate within this principle - why shouldn’t government as well?
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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?
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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