while

1 of 4

noun

ˈ(h)wī(-ə)l 

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

2 of 4

conjunction

1

a

: during the time that

take a nap while I'm out

b

: as long as

while there's life there's hope

2

a

: 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

3 of 4

preposition

dialectal British

: until

while

4 of 4

verb

whiled; whiling

transitive verb

: to cause to pass especially without boredom or in a pleasant manner

—usually used with away

while away the time

Synonyms

Noun

• bit
• space
• spell
• stretch

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

Took him a while to put some guys away at different times. —Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 15 May 2025

An investigation into the couple’s deaths began in September 2023 when their doctor raised concerns about John and Lois’ welfare after not seeing them for a while, Essex police wrote in a news release. —Lesley Cosme Torres, People.com, 15 May 2025

Verb

There's plenty of luxury to go around, as backseat passengers can while away the miles with a massage. —Eric Bangeman, Ars Technica, 17 June 2022

The activity is in the Art Lab, which is brimming with other projects that will while away the time. —Domenica Bongiovanni, The Indianapolis Star, 11 Mar. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English hwīl; akin to Old High German hwīla time, Latin quies rest, quiet

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Conjunction

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Preposition

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1635, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing while

• after a while
• a (good) long while
• all the while
• every once in a while
• make it worth your while
• once in a while
• quite a while
• strike while the iron is hot
• while away
• while (one's) at it
• while the going is good
• worth someone's while

Rhymes for while

• aisle
• bile
• chyle
• file
• guile
• heil
• isle
• kyle
• mile
• pile
• rile
• smile

Kids Definition

while

1 of 3 noun

ˈhwī(ə)l 

ˈwī(ə)l

1

: a period of time

stay here for a while

2

: time and effort used

worth your while

while

2 of 3 conjunction

1

a

: during the time that

take a nap while I'm out

b

: as long as

enjoy life while we can

2

: in spite of the fact that : although

while respected, the mayor is not liked

while

3 of 3 verb

whiled; whiling

: to cause to pass pleasantly or without boredom

while away the time