12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a. What about 'whataboutism'?

Oct 12, 2025 · In cases where both "what" and "which" are possible, with similar meaning, "what" is preferred for open-ended choices, while "which" is preferred for choices from a closed group …

pronunciation note: Usually pronounced (hwɒt ) for meanings [sense 2], [sense 4], [sense 5] and [sense 18]. You use what in questions when you ask for specific information about something …

12 hours ago · Clear and simple definitions in American English from Britannica's language experts. More usage examples than any other dictionary.

used in questions to ask for particular information about somebody/something. What is your name? What (= what job) does he do? What time is it? What kind of music do you like? The …

(used interrogatively as a request for specific information). What is the matter? (used interrogatively to inquire about the character, occupation, etc., of a person). What does he do? …

We use what to ask questions and as a pronoun and determiner. … We can use what to ask for information about things and actions: … We can use what in informal situations to ask …

Which thing or which particular one of many: What are you having for dinner? What did she say? b. Which kind, character, or designation: What are these objects? c. One of how much value …

"What", the name of the second baseman in Abbott and Costello's comedy routine "Who's on First?" What? Records, a US record label. "What?" (Rob Zombie song), 2009. "What?" (SB19 …

Oct 10, 2025 · Pioneers in Language Reference for 200 years. Popular and trusted online dictionary with over 1 million words. Find definitions, meanings, synonyms, pronunciations, …