awhile

adverb

ə-ˈ(h)wī(-ə)l 

: for a while

Sit and rest awhile.

Usage of Awhile

Awhile and a while are increasingly used interchangeably, but a distinction is traditionally observed: awhile is an adverb that means "for a while" (that is, "for a period of time") and a while is a noun phrase meaning "a period of time." Awhile usually modifies a verb

was waiting awhile

stopping at the park awhile [= stopping awhile at the park]

; it can typically replace any instance of "for a while." The two-word form a while is used with the words ago or back,

a while ago/back

and when following a preposition.

I read for a while.

We'll see them in a while.

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

The Dolphins decided, awhile ago, to have three key football voices report directly to ownership — general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, coach Jeff Hafley and Brandon Shore, who recently was promoted to executive vice president/football operations. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 10 June 2026

It’s been awhile since Ben Cohen, who cofounded the ice cream brand in 1978, has been actively involved in the company. —Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 June 2026

There are also deals for those who dream of seeing movie and TV sets at Universal Studios Hollywood, or for travelers who plan to stay awhile and want to go to both. —Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 May 2026

Navarro still has his cell number in her contacts, but it’s been awhile since she’s called. —Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026

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