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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
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The beauty world has been collectively obsessed with rose gold for a while.
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But his counsel only makes marginally more sense when directed at Anthony Kennedy, the right-leaning justice who has (supposedly) been contemplating retirement for a while now.
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For a while, Max and his alpha attitude toward other dogs caused trouble between his owners and their neighbors in their Brooklyn apartment building.
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Some doctors took a while to come around to the GeneSight test.
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Withdrawal from those trading businesses should lift it, but because contracts can last a long time, this may take a while.
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The deal, which may price on Wednesday, is set to be the juiciest from a sovereign for a while.
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Life on Earth took a while to recover and diversify, significantly longer than after any other extinction event, possibly up to 10 million years.
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With the system, 911 and other calls work, but getting data on phones takes a while.
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
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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.
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Veterans can while away days on the golf course next door.
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Bermondsey is simply buzzing with trendy bars to while away the hours in.
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When Nintendo launched the NES Donald Trump Jr. was eight, the prime age to while away hours with Mario and Luigi.
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Plenty of relaxed shoreline trails draw hikers and cyclists here, while picturesque picnic areas and pebbly beaches make great places to while away an afternoon.
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At age 59, most rock stars would be happy to while away the time between tours luxuriating on a tropical island as the royalty checks roll in.
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To hole up at Claridge’s posh bar or bed down in one of its suites is an experience in itself, but to while away an afternoon over tea in the Art Deco Foyer is a particularly special one.
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Besides the many outdoor venues in which to while away the day, design shops also serve as popular social hubs.
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
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: during the time that
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—used to make a statement that describes how two people, groups, etc., are different
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: 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
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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
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