Definition of while
(Entry 1 of 4)
while
conjunctionDefinition 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
prepositionDefinition of while (Entry 3 of 4)
dialectal British
: until
while
verb
whiled; whiling
Definition of while (Entry 4 of 4)
: to cause to pass especially without boredom or in a pleasant manner
—usually used with away while away the time
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for while
The first known use of while was before the 12th century
See more words from the same century