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

But for awhile there, the PTC was a watchdog with teeth. —James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2025

Called a special project for everyone involved and a priority for the studio by Goldberg, 9/12 took awhile to get a formal green as the schedule had to be adjusted to fit Strong’s existing commitments, including his starring role in Peter Morgan’s new Netflix series The Boys From Brazil. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2025

The shop has a cozy, living-room-like vibe to it that invites guests to settle in and stay awhile. —Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 29 Sep. 2025

A day after clinching the division title, the Dodgers did not take batting practice on the field but Muncy took ground balls at third base for quite awhile and seemed to be moving freely. —Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 27 Sep. 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