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

Nutella has actually been available for quite awhile in the U.S. in the peanut butter aisle. —Inga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Apr. 2025

Mom and dad had been on the rooftop for awhile, but their five goslings — who were too young to fly — had no way to follow their parents down to a nearby pond, four stories below. —Morgan Severson, CNN Money, 25 Apr. 2025

Jackson considered declaring for the draft a year ago, so the Vikings have had a close eye on him for awhile. —Dave Campbell, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2025

Highlights and various cover-up products like hair mascara worked for awhile. —Lindsy Van Gelder, Allure, 25 Apr. 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