phrase

in the meantime

in thuh MEEN-tyme

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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.”

phrase

During the period between now and a later event, or between two events already mentioned.

"The new system launches in June; in the meantime, keep using the old forms."

"Her flight lands at six. In the meantime, we could get dinner."

How to use in the meantime

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDuring the wait, before the other thing happens.

When to use it

Neutral; equally at home in emails and speech.

Memory tip

It usually needs a known future event to point towards, otherwise use for now.

Easily confused with

meanwhile → mean time in the interim

Common pairings

in the meantime, please but in the meantime

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “in the meantime” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

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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meanwhile in the interim for now until then

Related words

meanwhile interim temporarily meantime lag

Rhymes for in the meantime

time dime mime lime crime anime grime prime chime slime regime runtime

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.

What is the meaning of in the meantime?

"in the meantime" (phrase) means during the period between now and a later event, or between two events already mentioned.

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meanwhile interim temporarily meantime lag