what: Meaning and Definition of

what

1. the true nature or identity of something, or the sum of its characteristics: a lecture on the whats and hows of crop rotation.

1. (used interrogatively before nouns): What news? What clothes shall I pack?
2. whatever: Take what supplies you need.

1. to what extent or degree? how much?: What does it matter?
2. (used to introduce a prepositional phrase beginning with with): What with storms and all, their return was delayed.
3. for what reason or purpose? why?

1. (used in exclamatory expressions, often fol. by a question): What, no salt?

1. as much as; as far as: He helps me what he can.
2. but that; but who; who or that … not: Who knows but what the sun may still shine.