Definition of By and by

1. Adverb. At some eventual time in the future. "I'll see you later"

Exact synonyms: Later

Definition of By and by

1. Adverb. Eventually; in a little while; later. ¹

2. Noun. Heaven; the hereafter. Usually preceded with "the sweet." ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Lexicographical Neighbors of By And By

by-washes
by-way
by-ways
by-wipe
by-your-leave
by-your-leaves
by George
by God
by Jove
by a long shot
by a whisker
by accident
by all accounts
by all means
by all odds
by and by
by and large
by any chance
by any means
by artificial means
by chance
by choice
by choice(p)
by committee
by default
by definition
by degrees
by design
by dint of
by ear

Literary usage of By and by

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Notes and Queries by Martim de Albuquerque (1851)
"RN, as to the etymology and meaning of by the bye and by and by, ... by and by is quite a different matter. Mr. Tyrwhitt, upon the line in Chaucer, ..."

2. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain (1881)
"by and by Tom took Becky's candle and blew it out. This economy meant so much! Words were not needed. Becky understood, and her hope died again. ..."

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