whilst
an old and formal word for “while”
How often you will meet it
Rank 1,787 of 71,295 words measured. It occurs 10,132 times across 155,370 chapters — 0.005% of every word in the library.
What it means
conjunction
- an old and formal word for “while”
whilst in real books
Each sentence below was written by a published author and is taken from a different book in our library. Open one to read the passage it came from, with narration.
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Whilst they were speaking a fiery dragon came flying through the air.
The Yellow Fairy Book: The Grateful Beasts · World Traditions (Celtic, Norse, Asian & Persian) · Chapter 1
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Oh death, sweet death, vouchsafe that blessing, That I may die the death whilst she regardeth!
Elizabethan Sonnet Cycles: Phillis - Licia · Martha Foote [Editor] Crow · Chapter 1
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And he ran to the front-door, whilst Mme. Favoral was hurrying her husband towards Mlle. Gilberte’s room.
Other People's Money · Emile Gaboriau · Chapter 1
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The Chief of my Staff entered my tent whilst I was engaged in studying a map not very successfully.
Punch — Volume 101, November 7, 1891 · Various · Chapter 1
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Come now, I say, You know that every Cricketer has "his day," Whilst the best bat or trundler may be stuck.
Punch — Volume 99, August 16, 1890 · Various · Chapter 1