by and by adverb 3noun 1 adverb3 •After a short time.O, how this spring of love resembleth The uncertain glory of an April day Which now shows all the beauty of the sun, And by and by a cloud takes all away! — 1591 •After an indefinite period.Sit down, have a rest, and by and by you'll be feeling better. •(no longer used) Immediately; at once.When […] persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. — 1611 noun1 •Heaven; the hereafter. Usually preceded with "the sweet."I'm sorry ma'am, but your cat's gone on to the sweet by and by.
