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 that you do not know. What do you want?

Understanding the Context

What did she tell you, anyway? 'Has something happened?'—'Indeed it has.'—'What?' A Simple Definition is available from our Learner's Dictionary to help you understand the meaning faster. What is this? What is wealth without friends?

Key Insights

What does he earn? What hath God wrought? You said what? What do you think I am, a fool? What is she, that all our swains commend her?

Final Thoughts

William Shakespeare. What, no breakfast? 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 someone to repeat something if we don’t hear it or understand it: … We can ask emphatic questions using whatever or what on earth to express shock or surprise. (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? (used interrogatively to inquire as to the origin, identity, etc., of something). What are those birds?