While Definition
wīl, hwīl
whiled, whiles, whiling
noun
whiles
A period or space of time.
A short while.
Webster's New World
The time, effort, or trouble taken in doing something.
The project wasn't worth my while.
American Heritage
conjuntion
During or throughout the time that.
We waited while she dined.
Webster's New World
At the same time that.
While you're up, close the door.
Webster's New World
Although on the one hand.
While he was not poor, he had no ready cash.
Webster's New World
But; however.
The soles are leather, while the uppers are canvas.
American Heritage
Whereas; and on the other hand.
The walls are green, while the ceiling is white.
Webster's New World
verb
To spend (time) in a pleasant way; cause to pass idly.
To while away the afternoon.
Webster's New World
To loiter.
Wiktionary
Synonyms:
- wile
- waste
- trifle away
- idle
- fiddle away
- Also used with away: dawdle
- kill
preposition
Until.
Webster's New World
idiom
between whiles
- now and then; at intervals
Webster's New World
the while
- at the same time; during this very time
Webster's New World
worth someone's while
- worth someone's time, consideration, etc.; profitable in some way
Webster's New World
Idioms, Phrasal Verbs Related to While
- between whiles
- the while
- worth someone's while
Origin of While
-
From Old English hwīl, from Proto-Germanic *hwīlō. Cognate with Low German wil, German Weile.
From Wiktionary
-
Middle English from Old English hwīl kweiə- in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
Related Articles
Find Similar Words
Find similar words to while using the buttons below.