Word

meantime

noun C1

/ˈmiːntaɪm/

Meanings

noun

the time between two events; the waiting period before something else happens

adverb

during the time between events; while something else is happening or being prepared

Definition

The meantime is the period of time between two events, or the time while you are waiting for something else to happen.

Meantime refers to the time between one moment or event and another, especially while you are waiting for something to be finished or decided. It is often used to show what happens during a delay or before a planned event begins. You can use it as a noun (“in the meantime”) or as an adverb meaning “during that time.”

Examples

The final report will be ready on Friday; in the meantime, we can review the data and flag any gaps.
She is waiting for the editor’s response, and in the meantime she has drafted two alternative openings.
I’ll submit the form this afternoon; in the meantime, I’m gathering the supporting documents to avoid delays.
They postponed the launch until next month, but in the meantime they are testing the new onboarding flow with volunteers.

Common mistake

Learners sometimes write “in the mean time” as two words, but the standard form is “in the meantime.”