: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for awhile

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of awhile was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

“Awhile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/awhile. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

awhile

adverb
ə-ˈhwī(ə)l How to pronounce awhile (audio)
ə-ˈwī(ə)l
: for a while : for a short time
sit and rest awhile

More from Merriam-Webster on awhile

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