afterwhile

1 of 2

adverb

af·​ter·​while
ˈaf-tər-ˌ(h)wī(-ə)l
: after a while : by and by : later on

afterwhile

2 of 2

noun

af·​ter·​while
ˈaf-tər-ˌ(h)wī(-ə)l
: aftertime

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

contraction of after a while

Noun

after- + while entry 1

First Known Use

Adverb

1834, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1868, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of afterwhile was in 1834

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Dictionary Entries Near afterwhile

afterwelt

afterwhile

afterwisdom

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Cite this Entry

“Afterwhile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/afterwhile. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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