/ ˈmiːnwaɪl; NAmE / adverb , noun
■ adverb
1.
(also informal mean·time ) while sth else is happening :
Bob spent fifteen months alone on his yacht. Ann, meanwhile, took care of the children on her own.
2.
(also informal mean·time ) in the period of time between two times or two events :
The doctor will see you again next week. Meanwhile, you must rest as much as possible.
3.
used to compare two aspects of a situation :
Stress can be extremely damaging to your health. Exercise, meanwhile, can reduce its effects.
■ noun
•
IDIOMS
- for the meanwhile
- in the meanwhile
••
WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from mean (noun) + while .