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

Newsome has been talked about for awhile as a potential trade candidate and could legitimately get moved before the NFL trade deadline this year. —Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025

Word of mouth might take awhile, though, with only around 14,000 and 16,000 noticing the lights were on at PNC Park the past two nights (many of them increasingly disgruntled Dodger fans). —Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 4 Sep. 2025

For awhile, the Brown family managed to keep up a happy front. —Lizz Schumer, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025

Palencia stands 5-11 and is listed at 160 pounds but appears to have outgrown that measurement awhile ago. —Phil Rogers, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 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