—used to introduce prepositional phrases in parallel construction or a prepositional phrase that expresses cause and usually has more than one object—used principally before phrases beginning with with
what with unemployment increasing… what with the war, what with the sweat, what with the gallows, and what with poverty, I am custom-shrunk. William Shakespeare
What though the rose have prickles, yet 'tis plucked … William Shakespeare
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web
Adverb
Read his full remarks from the Phoenix rally below:TRUMP: What a crowd.Time, 23 Aug. 2017
Adjective
Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who's still traveling in Europe, says that schools will open September 5, no matter what Rauner does about funding. Kate Shepherd, Chicago Reader, 20 July 2017 Senior Matt Boyle, the biggest newcomer on offense as Jack Sznajder's successor at quarterback, knows what a Cooney brings to the table. Blake Baumgartner, Naperville Sun, 18 July 2017 IndyStar: What stands out to you in Matt Balis’ workouts? Laken Litman, Indianapolis Star, 14 July 2017 The costumes were incredible, and a highlight for the kids was guessing what kinds of insects were performing. Jennifer Jhon, South Florida Parenting, 14 July 2017 Customers over 65 years old will be asked additional questions to catch any discrepancies between what they were told by contractors and what contractors submit to the lender. Ron Hurtibise, Sun-Sentinel.com, 13 July 2017 In what ways does this distinct setting influence the story? Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 11 July 2017 If our medieval predecessors felt it important enough to create and save these texts centuries ago, there’s no telling what discoveries could be revealed under the light of the Manuscript Illuminator. Ken Krebs, Scientific American Blog Network, 7 July 2017 Francona has been undergoing tests to determine what has been causing lightheadedness and increasing his heart rate.New York Times, 5 July 2017 See More
Word History
Etymology
Pronoun
Middle English, from Old English hwæt, neuter of hwā who — more at who
First Known Use
Pronoun
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)
Adverb
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3