: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And while their romance may be new, the pair have known each other for awhile. Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 14 May 2025 The duo, who had been discussing the project for awhile, are starting from scratch: the biographical limited series is not related to the Madonna feature biopic which was previously in development at Universal with three-time Emmy winner Julia Garner as the choice to play the Queen of Pop. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 12 May 2025 With just 19 tables and a no-reservation policy, visitors should plan on having to wait awhile to eat here. Mae Hamilton, AFAR Media, 1 May 2025 Just seeing you in the same room together every once in awhile makes my heart whole again, if only for a fleeting moment. Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for awhile

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of awhile was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Awhile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/awhile. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

awhile

adverb
ə-ˈhwī(ə)l How to pronounce awhile (audio)
ə-ˈwī(ə)l
: for a while : for a short time
sit and rest awhile

More from Merriam-Webster on awhile

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