in the meantime
In the meantime (phrase) means during the period between now and a later event, or between two events already mentioned. Example: “The new system launches in June; in the meantime, keep using the old forms.”
How to Use In the meantime
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDuring the wait, before the other thing happens.
Neutral; equally at home in emails and speech.
It usually needs a known future event to point towards, otherwise use for now.
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The new system launches in June; _____, keep using the old forms.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for in the meantime
See all rhymes for in the meantime →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between in the meantime and meanwhile?
They are near-identical, but meanwhile often means at the same time somewhere else, as in meanwhile, back at the office. In the meantime nearly always means during the wait for something specific to happen.
Is it meantime or mean time?
For this phrase it is one word: meantime. Two words, mean time, is a technical term for averaged clock time, as in Greenwich Mean Time.
Can you say in the meanwhile?
You will hear it, but it is uncommon and sounds slightly off to most speakers. Stick to in the meantime or plain meanwhile.