awhile

awhile

adverb \ə-ˈhwī(-ə)l, ə-ˈwī(-ə)l\

Definition of AWHILE

: for a while

Usage Discussion of AWHILE

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 <for awhile there is a silence — Lord Dunsany>.

Examples of AWHILE

1. I'm going to sit and rest awhile.
2. The rumor had been around awhile.

First Known Use of AWHILE

before 12th century

Rhymes with AWHILE

abseil, air mile, bass viol, black bile, Blue Nile, decile, erstwhile, exile, Fair Isle, field trial, gentile, high style, hostile, lifestyle, meanwhile, motile, nail file, New Style, old style, Old Style, on file, profile, redial, reptile, show trial, stockpile, time trial