mean
while
1
at the same time but often somewhere else
- She started cooking dinner; meanwhile, her husband set the table.
- The kids played in the backyard, meanwhile the adults prepared the food for the barbecue.
- I’ll be working on the report this week.Meanwhile, can you handle the client meetings?
- The construction of the new building began.Meanwhile, the old one was being demolished.
- She was at the grocery store, and meanwhile, I was waiting at home for her call.
2
during the period of time between two events or while waiting for something to happen
- The meeting will start soon.Meanwhile, I’ll finish reviewing these documents.
- The car is being repaired.Meanwhile, we can grab lunch.
- The project deadline is next week.Meanwhile, we need to make sure all the details are finalized.
- She’s attending a conference all day.Meanwhile, I’ll manage the office tasks.
- The weather is expected to improve by evening.Meanwhile, we should continue with our indoor activities.
3
in a way that connects or contrasts two simultaneous actions, events, or conditions
- The company was struggling with budget cuts; meanwhile, its competitors were investing heavily in innovative projects.
- Some employees were adapting well to the new remote work setup; meanwhile, others were facing challenges in staying connected.
- One sibling was focused on academic achievements; meanwhile, the other was exploring creative pursuits.
- She enjoyed adventurous trips; meanwhile, her friend preferred relaxing beach vacations.
- One team was emphasizing speed in product development; meanwhile, another team prioritized thorough testing for quality assurance.