First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1when
adverb \ˈhwen, ˈwen, (h)wən\
: at what time
: at, in, or during which
: at or during which time
Full Definition of WHEN
1
: at what time <when will you return>
2
a : at or during which time b : and then
3
: at a former and usually less prosperous time <brag fondly of having known him when — Vance Packard>
See when defined for English-language learners
See when defined for kids
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Origin of WHEN
Middle English, from Old English hwanne, hwenne; akin to Old High German hwanne when, Old English hwā who — more at who
2when
conjunction
: at or during the time that
: just after the time that
: at any or every time that
Full Definition of WHEN
1
a : at or during the time that : while <went fishing when he was a boy> b : just at the moment that <stop writing when the bell rings> c : at any or every time that <when he listens to music, he falls asleep>
2
: in the event that : if <a contestant is disqualified when he disobeys the rules>
3
a : considering that <why use water at all when you can drown in it — Stuart Chase> b : in spite of the fact that : although <quit politics when I might have had a great career in it>
4
: the time or occasion at or in which <tomorrow is when we must decide> <humor is when you laugh — Earl Rovit>
See when defined for English-language learners
Origin of WHEN
Middle English, from Old English hwanne, hwenne, from hwanne, hwenne, adverb
First Known Use: before 12th century
Related to WHEN
- Synonyms
- as, so long as, while, whilst [chiefly British]
3when
pronoun \ˈhwen, ˈwen\
: what or which time
Full Definition of WHEN
: what or which time <life-long homes for those … who have lived here since when — Kim Waller>
See when defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of WHEN
14th century
4when
noun
Definition of WHEN
: the time in which something is done or comes about <troubled his head very little about the hows and whens of life — Laurence Sterne>
First Known Use of WHEN
1616
WHEN Defined for Kids
1when
adverb \ˈhwen, ˈwen, hwən, wən\
Definition of WHEN for Kids
1
: at what time <When did you leave?>
2
: the time at which <I was not sure of when they'd come.>
3
: at, in, or during which <It was hard to remember the time when they hadn't played that game … — Eleanor Estes, The Hundred Dresses>
2when
conjunction
Definition of WHEN for Kids
1
: at, during, or just after the time that <She wants to leave when I do.>
2
: in the event that : if <When you have a question, raise your hand.>
3
: although 1 <Why do you tease, when you know it's wrong?>
4
: the time at which <Tomorrow is when we leave.>
3when
pronoun
Definition of WHEN for Kids
: what or which time <Since when have you been an expert?>
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