awhile

adverb

ə-ˈ(h)wī(-ə)l 

: for a while

Sit and rest awhile.

Can awhile be used after a preposition?: Usage Guide

Although considered a solecism by many commentators, awhile, like several other adverbs of time and place, is often used as the object of a preposition.

… would be generous enough to let me explore their world for awhile.

—David Yeadon

Examples of awhile in a Sentence

I'm going to sit and rest awhile.

The rumor had been around awhile.

Recent Examples on the Web

Palencia stands 5-11 and is listed at 160 pounds but appears to have outgrown that measurement awhile ago. —Phil Rogers, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025

Marturano said plans for the project had been in place for awhile, and that the village had been requesting funding from federal and state sources in order to complete it. —Erin Yarnall, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2025

Financial rewards aside, the 37-year-old Kershaw is clearly enjoying being a healthy participant at the most important part of the season for the first time in awhile. —Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 19 Aug. 2025

After awhile, we were allowed to go inside and sit in rows based on appointment times. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

adverbial use of a while (written as one word sporadically since Middle English), going back to Middle English awhile, one while, going back to Old English āne hwīle — more at a entry 2, while entry 1

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for awhile

• argyle
• beguile
• compile
• condyle
• defile
• erstwhile
• exile
• freestyle
• gentile
• hairstyle
• lifestyle
• meanwhile

Kids Definition

awhile

adverb

ə-ˈhwī(ə)l 

ə-ˈwī(ə)l

: for a while : for a short time

sit and rest awhile