When — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adverb conjunction pronoun noun /ˈ(h)wen/

Meaning & Definition of When

When (adverb)

  1. at what time
  2. at or during which time
  3. and then

When (conjunction)

  1. at or during the time that, while
  2. just at the moment that
  3. at any or every time that

When (pronoun)

  1. what or which time

When (noun)

  1. the time in which something is done or comes about

When (conjunction) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. at or during the time that

    "she complained that no one was paying attention to her when she gave her speech"

    similar: as, so long as, while, whilst (chiefly British)
    near: after

  2. just at the moment that

    "you should say hello when you answer the phone"

    similar: as soon as, immediately (chiefly British), instantly, once
    near: after, directly (chiefly British), since

  3. in spite of the fact that

    "she quit writing when she could have been a fine author"

    similar: albeit, although, as, howbeit, much as, notwithstanding, though, whereas, while, whilst (chiefly British)
    related: but, if

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for When

The most common words with a similar meaning to When:

Chiefly British: whilst, immediately
as, so long as, while, as soon as, instantly, once, albeit, although, howbeit, much as, notwithstanding, though, whereas

Related Words for When

but, if

Near Antonyms of When

after, directly, since

Origin & Etymology of When

Middle English, from Old English hwanne, hwenne; akin to Old High German hwanne when, Old English hwā who who

First known use: before 12th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for When

Words & Phrases Containing When

when all is said and done, when hell freezes over, when it comes (right) down to it, when it comes to, when it rains, it pours, when opportunity knocks

Frequently Asked Questions about When

What does "When" mean?

"When" means at what time. As an an adverb, a conjunction, a pronoun and a noun, it is defined as: at what time. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "When"?

Other words for "When" include as, so long as, while, whilst, as soon as, immediately, instantly and once. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "When" you intend.

What are different ways to say "When"?

There are 17 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "When". Common alternatives include as, so long as, while, whilst, as soon as, immediately, instantly, once, albeit and although.

How do you use "When" in a sentence?

Examples of "When" in a sentence: "she complained that no one was paying attention to her when she gave her speech"; "you should say hello when you answer the phone"; "she quit writing when she could have been a fine author".

Is "When" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"When" can be used as an adverb, a conjunction, a pronoun and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "When" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "When" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "When"?

"When" is pronounced /ˈ(h)wen/.

What is the origin of the word "When"?

"When" comes from Middle English, from Old English hwanne, hwenne; akin to Old High German hwanne when, Old English hwā who who. First known use: before 12th century.