Whilst

Pronunciation

• GenAm IPA: /waɪlst/, /hwaɪlst/

Alternative forms

• whilest obsolete
• whylst obsolete
• whylest obsolete

Origin

From whiles + -t. Surface analysis while + -st("(excrescence)"). Cognate with West Frisian wylst ("whilst"). More at whiles.

Full definition of whilst

Conjunction

1. (chiefly British) While, at the same time.
• 1963, Margery Allingham, The China Governess Chapter 17, The face which emerged was not reassuring. It was blunt and grey, the nose springing thick and flat from high on the frontal bone of the forehead, whilst his eyes were narrow slits of dark in a tight bandage of tissue. â€¦.

Usage notes

Chiefly used in .

Rare in North America and may be considered archaic, pedantic or pompous.

Related terms

• while