awhile

adverb

ə-ˈ(h)wī(-ə)l 

: for a while

Sit and rest awhile.

Can awhile be used after a preposition?: Usage Guide

Although considered a solecism by many commentators, awhile, like several other adverbs of time and place, is often used as the object of a preposition.

… would be generous enough to let me explore their world for awhile.

—David Yeadon

Examples of awhile in a Sentence

I'm going to sit and rest awhile.

The rumor had been around awhile.

Recent Examples on the Web

Like their greeting, the documentary comes as an unexpected and welcoming invitation to stay awhile, even play awhile. —Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 3 Feb. 2025

The move has been in the works for awhile, part of Gersh’s expansion efforts following the 2023 investment by private equity firm Crestview Partners. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 27 Jan. 2025

While Hood said that slightly warmer temperatures, with highs in the 40s to 60s across the state, throughout the week should help to melt what remains of the winter storm, lower temperatures at night could cause snow and ice to stick around in some areas for quite awhile. —Parker Mancino, arkansasonline.com, 12 Jan. 2025

It’s been apparent for awhile that the Giants hoped to find a taker for his salary. —Andrew Baggarly, The Athletic, 30 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

adverbial use of a while (written as one word sporadically since Middle English), going back to Middle English awhile, one while, going back to Old English āne hwīle — more at a entry 2, while entry 1

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for awhile

• argyle
• beguile
• compile
• condyle
• defile
• erstwhile
• exile
• freestyle
• gentile
• hairstyle
• lifestyle
• meanwhile

Kids Definition

awhile

adverb

ə-ˈhwī(ə)l 

ə-ˈwī(ə)l

: for a while : for a short time

sit and rest awhile