what about

idiom

1
: does that include (someone) : how about (someone)
"We're all going to the beach." "What about Kenny?"
2
: how does that affect (someone or something) : what should be done about (someone or something)
"I need to leave—something has come up." "What about the meeting?" "We'll have to reschedule it."
What about the people who can't afford health insurance?
3
used to make a suggestion about what could be done
We'll need to talk about this again. What about (meeting) next week?
There's still time. What about playing another game?
4
used to ask someone to tell one something in response to the thing that one has just said
I like skiing and hiking. What about you? What sports do you like?
Everyone else is coming. What about you?

Examples of what about in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And what about the Democrats stripping the Republican lieutenant governor of all his power? Christopher Cooper / Made By History, TIME, 11 Dec. 2024 Peanut butter is a fan-favorite for dogs, but what about for cats? Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 5 Dec. 2024 The fruit is healthy for humans, but what about for animals? Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 28 Nov. 2024 But what about the material on the outside of the balloon? Rhett Allain, WIRED, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for what about 

Dictionary Entries Near what about

Cite this Entry

“What about.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/what%20about. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!