while

[waɪl]

while Definition

a period of time, especially a short one.

Using while: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "while" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  I'll be back in a while.

• Example

  We talked for a while before leaving.

• Example

  He waited for a while but nobody came.

• Example

  It's been a while since we last saw each other.

while Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for while

• time
• moment
• interval
• spell
• stretch

Idioms Using while

• all the while

  during the entire time

  Example

  He knew all the while that he was making a mistake.

• once in a while

  occasionally, not very often

  Example

  I like to have ice cream once in a while.

• the while

  the whole time

  Example

  She was smiling the while she spoke.

Phrases with while

• in a while

  after a period of time has passed

  Example

  I'll call you back in a while.

• for a while

  for a period of time

  Example

  I lived in Paris for a while.

• worthwhile

  sufficiently valuable or important to be worth one's time, effort, or interest

  Example

  The trip was definitely worthwhile.

Origins of while

from Old English 'hwīl'

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Summary: while in Brief

'While' [waɪl] refers to a period of time, often brief, as in 'I'll be back in a while.' It can also denote a longer duration, as in 'It's been a while since we last saw each other.' The phrase 'in a while' means after a period of time has passed, while 'for a while' means for a period of time. 'Worthwhile' means sufficiently valuable or important to be worth one's time, effort, or interest.