awhile

adverb \ə-ˈhwī(-ə)l, ə-ˈwī(-ə)l\

: for a while : for a short time

Full Definition of AWHILE

: for a while

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See awhile defined for kids

Usage Discussion of AWHILE

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 <for awhile there is a silence — Lord Dunsany>.

First Known Use of AWHILE

before 12th century

Rhymes with AWHILE

abseil, air mile, bass viol, black bile, Blue Nile, decile, erstwhile, exile, Fair Isle, field trial, gentile, high style, hostile, lifestyle, meanwhile, motile, nail file, New Style, old style, Old Style, on file, profile, redial, reptile, show trial, stockpile, time trial

AWHILE Defined for Kids

awhile

adverb \ə-ˈhwīl, ə-ˈwīl\

Definition of AWHILE for Kids

: for a while : for a short time <Sit down and rest awhile.>

Learn More About AWHILE

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "awhile"

Nglish: Translation of "awhile" for Spanish speakers

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