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
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
British Book News
dialectal British
: until
whiled; whiling
: to cause to pass especially without boredom or in a pleasant manner
—usually used with away
while away the time
Synonyms
Noun
Conjunction
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
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
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
See all Example Sentences for while 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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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
See all Example Sentences for while
Dictionary Entries Near while
Cite this Entry
“While.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/while. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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 conjunction1
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
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