Why — Defs

01 adv. For what cause, reason, or purpose; on what account; wherefore; -- used interrogatively. See the Note under What, pron., 1.

1.
For what cause, reason, or purpose; on what account; wherefore; -- used interrogatively. See the Note under What, pron., 1. See: What
“Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?” — Ezek. xxxiii. 11.
2.
For which; on account of which; -- used relatively.
“No ground of enmity between us known Why he should mean me ill or seek to harm.” — Milton.

“Turn the discourse; I have a reason why I would not have you speak so tenderly.” — Dryden.
3.
The reason or cause for which; that on account of which; on what account; as, I know not why he left town so suddenly; -- used as a compound relative.
“If her chill heart I can not move, Why, I'll enjoy the very love.” — Cowley.

“The how and the why and the where.” — Goldsmith.

Phrases & compounds

For why — because; why. See Forwhy.

02 n. A young heifer.