- Trending Now: More Trending:
- socialism uphold due process asylum insubordinate
- ALL
What's Trending Now
More Trending Words
Examples of while in a Sentence
It took them a while to find out what was causing the problem.
we stayed at the fair for a while longer
Recent Examples of while from the Web
-
Hopefully that keeps the speculation at bay for a while.
-
Greene had apparently been dealing with a shoulder issue for a while and finally said something after Sunday's game, when he was frustrated by lower-than-normal velocity.
-
Craig Kopp, manager of WMNF-FM in Tampa, said the guy left for a while but reappeared — the day after a shooting left five Maryland newspaper employees dead.
-
For a while, Chevrolets were a main target for car thieves.
-
Craig Kopp, manager of WMNF-FM in Tampa, said the guy left for a while but reappeared — the day after a shooting left five Maryland newspaper employees dead.
-
Even some places that have been [around for a while] like Artisan Bistro.
-
But opportunistic or abusive claims are unfortunately numerous in the current caseload, particularly among people who seek asylum after having been in the United States for a while.
-
Their momentum may keep them going for a while yet.
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.
Origin and Etymology of while
Middle English, from Old English hwīl; akin to Old High German hwīla time, Latin quies rest, quiet
NEW! Time Traveler
First Known Use: before 12th century
in the meaning defined at sense 1
See Words from the same yearwhile Synonyms
Synonyms
effort, elbow grease, exertion, expenditure, labor, pains, sweat, trouble, work;
Near Antonyms
adroitness, ease, facility, fluency, smoothness;
dormancy, idleness, inaction, inactivity, indolence, inertia, languor, laziness, quiescence;
Related Words
drudgery, grind, slog, strain, toil, travail;
force, might, muscle, power, puissance;
attempt, endeavor, essay, fling, go, pass, shot, stab, trial, try, whack;
Definition of while
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
Examples of while in a Sentence
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.
First Known Use of while
12th century
First Known Use of while
15th century
Definition of while
whiled;
whiling
: to cause to pass especially without boredom or in a pleasant manner
—usually used with away
- while away the time
Recent Examples of while from the Web
-
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.
-
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.
-
Another name Schmitz mentioned was Maryland's Kevin Huerter, who while known as a shooter, can play some point guard.
-
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.
-
In a separate instance, Rourke sought payment for 16 hours of sick leave that he also was not entitled to while on leave, officials said.
-
Veterans can while away days on the golf course next door.
-
Bermondsey is simply buzzing with trendy bars to while away the hours in.
-
When Nintendo launched the NES Donald Trump Jr. was eight, the prime age to while away hours with Mario and Luigi.
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.
First Known Use of while
1635
WHILE Defined for English Language Learners
while
Definition of while for English Language Learners
-
: during the time that
-
—used to make a statement that describes how two people, groups, etc., are different
-
: in spite of the fact that
WHILE Defined for Kids
Definition of while for Students
1
: during the time that
- We met while in college.
2
: although 1
- While famous, the book is seldom read.
Definition of while for Students
1
: a period of time
- Let's rest a while.
2
: time and effort used in doing something
- I'll make it worth your while to help out.
Definition of while for Students
whiled;
whiling
: to cause to pass especially in a pleasant way
- We whiled away the time with games.
Learn More about while
-
See words that rhyme with while Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for while Spanish Central: Translation of while Nglish: Translation of while for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of while for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up while? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
