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

You use what after certain words, especially verbs and adjectives, when you are referring to a situation that is unknown or has not been specified. You can imagine what it would be like …

We can use what to ask for information about things and actions: What do you want? What’s she doing? Tell her to stop at once! What time are you leaving? We can also use what in indirect …

(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? …

Word OriginOld English hwæt, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch wat and German was, from an Indo-European root shared by Latin quod. It's full of old toys, books and what not. He …

What matters most is your safety. = Your safety is what matters most. Stop telling me what to do. I don't know what to think/say/believe. She has (got) what it takes [=she has the skills and …

interrogative pronoun, Old English hwæt, referring to things in abstraction; also "why, wherefore; indeed, surely, truly," from Proto-Germanic pronoun *hwat (source also of Old Saxon hwat, …

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? The nature, class, name, purpose, etc. of a thing. What is that object? what is your address? …

Jun 28, 2025 · The House and Senate passed the massive spending and tax bill that includes signature policies of President Trump's second-term agenda this week. Here's what's in it.