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

According to sources, Ryan is still considering a possible continuation, with the process likely to take awhile given the size of his current slate. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 27 June 2025

The public engagement for this story map started recently, but it’s been brewing for awhile. —Molly Guthrey, Twin Cities, 26 June 2025

For awhile, Yamamoto was able to brush off the lack of support. —Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 26 June 2025

The fundamentals of the technology have been there awhile. —Tim Bajarin, Forbes.com, 9 June 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