awhile

adverb

ə-ˈ(h)wī(-ə)l How to pronounce awhile (audio)
: for a while
Sit and rest awhile.
Usage of Awhile

Awhile and a while are increasingly used interchangeably, but a distinction is traditionally observed: awhile is an adverb that means "for a while" (that is, "for a period of time") and a while is a noun phrase meaning "a period of time." Awhile usually modifies a verb

was waiting awhile
stopping at the park awhile [= stopping awhile at the park]

; it can typically replace any instance of "for a while." The two-word form a while is used with the words ago or back,

a while ago/back

and when following a preposition.

I read for a while.
We'll see them in a while.

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.
Valve's Steam Deck handheld was out of stock for awhile and recently came back with a huge price bump. — Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 13 June 2026 But its new lion cub – first born in awhile – has captured my (and the internet's) attention. — Sam Woodward, USA Today, 21 May 2026 Bose This deal has been around for awhile, but these earbuds have premium noise cancelation and are discounted in all five color options. — Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 25 May 2026 The Dodgers can mix and match for awhile, but a team that prides itself on positioning its starters best for October success finds itself in an awkward position. — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2026 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

Rhymes for awhile

See All Rhymes for awhile

Browse Nearby Words

awheel
awhile
awhirl
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Awhile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/awhile. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of awhile for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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