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

Those narratives may lie dormant for a while — but candidates are still likely to pick them back up in future elections. —Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024

Perhaps this problem had been creeping up on us for a while, but there is no denying it now. —Glen Koen, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024

Verb

Observers have noticed on nearly every play Taylor has been setting up further behind the line of scrimmage than offensive linemen are allowed to while also jumping a half-second early. —Jared Ramsey, Detroit Free Press, 8 Sep. 2023

Every Photo of Kate Middleton and Prince William in Boston After a coffee stop at Dunkin Donuts — a must while in Massachusetts, right? —Stephanie Petit, Peoplemag, 6 Dec. 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

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