while

noun

\ ˈhwī(-ə)l

, ˈwī(-ə)l\

Definition of while

(Entry 1 of 4)

1 : a period of time especially when short and marked by the occurrence of an action or a condition : time stay here for a while

2 : the time and effort used (as in the performance of an action) : trouble worth your while

while

conjunction

Definition of while (Entry 2 of 4)

1a : during the time that take a nap while I'm out

b : as long as while there's life there's hope

2a : when on the other hand : whereas easy for an expert, while it is dangerous for a novice

b : in spite of the fact that : although while respected, he is not liked

3 : similarly and at the same time that while the book will be welcomed by scholars, it will make an immediate appeal to the general reader — British Book News

while

preposition

Definition of while (Entry 3 of 4)

dialectal British

: until

while

verb

whiled; whiling

Definition of while (Entry 4 of 4)

transitive verb

: to cause to pass especially without boredom or in a pleasant manner —usually used with away while away the time

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about while

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Synonyms for while

Synonyms: Noun

bit, space, spell, stretch

Synonyms: Conjunction

as, so long as, when, whilst [chiefly British]

Examples of while in a Sentence

Noun

It took them a while to find out what was causing the problem. we stayed at the fair for a while longer

Conjunction

Someone called while you were out. You can get the photos developed while you wait. The phone rang while I was doing the dishes. They met while they were in college. Can I get you anything while I'm at the store? He made a comment that, while well-intentioned, still hurt my feelings. While I think some parts of the plan are good, I don't think it's practical.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

On the first play of 1-on-1 drills, Simmons broke up a pass while in coverage. — Ryan O'halloran, The Denver Post, "Broncos safety Justin Simmons adds to camp interception total," 16 Aug. 2019 For a while Hongyadong—a jolly enough place but hitherto on few people’s bucket lists—became the biggest attraction in China after the Forbidden City, says Mafengwo, a travel website. — The Economist, "For some in China, the aim of travel is to create 15-second videos," 15 Aug. 2019 Things, of course, go awry, and the drone's smashed to smithereens, meaning the boys must skip school to replace the gadget all the while accidentally stealing drugs. — Garrett Mitchell, azcentral, "Review: Smells like 'tween' spirit in 'Good Boys'," 15 Aug. 2019 What are the least and most expensive items in your beauty bag/medicine cabinet: Least: coconut oil (that jar lasts a while). — Allure, "Why Anne Hathaway Is Obsessed With These Gold Eye Masks From Amazon," 14 Aug. 2019 The team departed a short while later for the airport and their flight to Philadelphia without Tatis aboard. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Padres notes: Tatis headed to IL; Hedges works to maintain hope; the real Hosmer," 14 Aug. 2019 Former One Tree Hill stars Jana Kramer and Bethany Joy Lenz recently spoke about their time on the nine-season teen drama while on Jana’s podcast, Whine Down With Jana Kramer in a new episode. — Elana Rubin, Teen Vogue, "One Tree Hill Cast Might Consider a Reunion If Creator Mark Schwahn Isn’t Involved," 13 Aug. 2019 The top Democrat and Republican on the House Judiciary Committee sent a detailed letter on Monday to the head of the federal prisons bureau demanding answers about the circumstances of Jeffrey Epstein's death while in custody. — Dartunorro Clark, NBC News, "House panel demands answers about Jeffrey Epstein's death from prisons chief," 12 Aug. 2019 All the while there has been encouragement from former teammates who were along for those Heat championship runs, from Dwyane Wade to Udonis Haslem to Chris Bosh. — Ira Winderman, sun-sentinel.com, "Mario Chalmers 'connected for life’ with Heat as he chases 10th NBA season while playing in Big3," 10 Aug. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Members also can stream the concert on demand for a limited time afterward, perhaps to while away the hours until Amazon’s Prime Day sale, which starts at midnight July 15 and runs for 48 hours. — Christie D'zurilla, latimes.com, "Amazon’s Prime Day wants to lure you in with Taylor Swift concert," 27 June 2019 The couple, who became engaged last month, were seen getting emotional during a bike ride and while out at a restaurant. — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin Were Seen Crying Together and Now We're Crying," 7 Aug. 2018 Few who are well versed in tarot would mistake a serious deck as a fun way to while away the afternoon. — Jane Stern, Town & Country, "My Love of Tarot Is a Family Tradition," 24 Sep. 2018 Floating along the lazy Russian River in an inner tube accessorized with an inflatable pink flamingo cooler is a perfect way to while away the summer. — Catherine Bigelow, SFChronicle.com, "Summer’s R&R hot spots from SF’s social set," 10 July 2018 Other safety tips while away include buying a timer for lights and setting them to turn off and on at random, or asking neighbors or friends to occasionally park in the driveway. — Alex Riggins, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Sheriff's Department offers free home checks for residents on vacation," 5 July 2018 The city exists within a single building; there are single rooms with no locks, each with a bed, a dresser, and — if the resident’s family provides one — a television set with which to while away the hours. — Leslie Kendall Dye, Longreads, "City on a Hill," 23 June 2018 Another name Schmitz mentioned was Maryland's Kevin Huerter, who while known as a shooter, can play some point guard. — Andrew Hussey, Indianapolis Star, "ESPN NBA Draft analysts discuss Pacers draft options," 18 June 2018 Trump has defied all modern precedent by retaining control of his family company while serving as president, allowing interests domestic or foreign to curry favor by enriching him personally. — Jonathan Chait, Daily Intelligencer, "The Michael Cohen Bribery Scandal Is Now a Trump Bribery Scandal," 16 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'while.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.