in the meantime/meanwhile

in the meantime

In the time before something else finishes or is supposed to happen. We need to wait for the movie to download. Let's get the popcorn ready in the meantime. We're working to make this right, but in the meantime, please accept this voucher for a free meal as an apology. I know your computer's down, so I called IT. File this paperwork in the meantime.

See also: meantime

in the meanwhile

In the time before something else finishes or is supposed to happen. We need to wait for the movie to download. Let's get the popcorn ready in the meanwhile. We're working to make this right, but in the meanwhile, please accept this voucher for a free meal as an apology. I know your computer's down, so I called IT. File this paperwork in the meanwhile.

See also: meanwhile

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

in the meantime

the period of time between two things; the period of time between now and when something is supposed to happen. The movie starts at 6:00. In the meantime, let's eat dinner. My flight was at 8:00. In the meantime, I played solitaire.

See also: meantime

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

in the ˈmeantime/ˈmeanwhile

in the time between two things happening: In five minutes, there’s the news. In the meantime, here’s some music. ♢ The bus doesn’t leave until six o’clock. In the meantime we can go and have a coffee. ♢ I hope to go to medical school eventually. In the meanwhile, I’m going to study chemistry.

See also: meantime, meanwhile

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017