the whole time
noun
1
: since something began : during the entire period of time
The police knew the whole time who was guilty.
2
British
: at all times : always
You can't be right the whole time.
3
British, informal
: very often
My sisters and I used to fight the whole time.
Examples of the whole time in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The Ghost actress, 61, showed off her glamorous style at the Gucci Cruise 2025 show in London on Tuesday, May 14, with her pet Chihuahua Pilaf by her side the whole time.
—
Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 15 May 2024
There are a few mildly funny moments, such as Garfield suddenly finding out he’s been wearing a collar and tag the whole time, hidden under his furry avoirdupois.
—Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
The sunglasses remained in place the whole time while our kids climbed and swung at the playground.
—Staff Author, Parents, 13 Apr. 2024
Several people have been living at the site the whole time it’s been open, over a year, and still have not been able to move into permanent housing.
—Theresa Clift, Sacramento Bee, 11 Apr. 2024
According to the report, Cosme was looking down at her testing device the whole time.
—David Chiu, Peoplemag, 8 Apr. 2024
Perry agreed with Richie and said she was locked in with Gartner the whole time.
—Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Apr. 2024
One guest was on her phone nearly the whole time — texting and even watching live videos that her friends posted while others were trying to have a conversation.
—Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 28 Mar. 2024
When a doctor prescribes you treatment, follow their instructions and stick with it for the whole time you’re supposed to—even if your symptoms get better.
—Mara Santilli, SELF, 21 Mar. 2024
Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 15 May 2024
There are a few mildly funny moments, such as Garfield suddenly finding out he’s been wearing a collar and tag the whole time, hidden under his furry avoirdupois.
—Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
The sunglasses remained in place the whole time while our kids climbed and swung at the playground.
—Staff Author, Parents, 13 Apr. 2024
Several people have been living at the site the whole time it’s been open, over a year, and still have not been able to move into permanent housing.
—Theresa Clift, Sacramento Bee, 11 Apr. 2024
According to the report, Cosme was looking down at her testing device the whole time.
—David Chiu, Peoplemag, 8 Apr. 2024
Perry agreed with Richie and said she was locked in with Gartner the whole time.
—Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Apr. 2024
One guest was on her phone nearly the whole time — texting and even watching live videos that her friends posted while others were trying to have a conversation.
—Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 28 Mar. 2024
When a doctor prescribes you treatment, follow their instructions and stick with it for the whole time you’re supposed to—even if your symptoms get better.
—Mara Santilli, SELF, 21 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'the whole time.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near the whole time
Cite this Entry
“The whole time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20whole%20time. Accessed 23 May. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share