b/w
Abbreviation with 2 meanings
| Stands for | Between |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 2 |
| Categories | Writing & Everyday |
b/w has two meanings. It stands for Between (everyday) or Black and white (everyday).
Meanings of b/w at a glance
| # | b/w stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Between | Writing & Everyday › Everyday |
| 2 | Black and white | Writing & Everyday › Everyday |
1. Between
Writing & Everyday · Everyday Abbreviations
Informal shorthand for "between," used in notes, schedules, product listings and texts, as in "b/w 2 and 4 p.m."
Example: Delivery window is b/w 8 and 11 a.m., and someone must be home to sign.
Because b/w also means "black and white," a phrase like "photos b/w" could be read either way, so the context matters. Other note-taking shorthands include w/ (with) and b/c (because). Delivery companies often spell the word out in appointment reminders to avoid confusion.
2. Black and white
Writing & Everyday · Everyday Abbreviations
Describes photographs, films, printing or images in black and white rather than color, as in "b/w copies" or "a b/w photo." It is common in print-shop orders and photo listings.
Example: Print 50 b/w copies of the flyer and 10 in color for the front desk.
Also written B&W. Print shops price b/w copies far below color copies. Black-and-white film photography remains popular with artists, and digital cameras offer monochrome modes. American television moved from b/w to color broadcasting mainly during the 1960s.