First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1while
noun \ˈhwī(-ə)l, ˈwī(-ə)l\
: a period of time
Full Definition of WHILE
1
: a period of time especially when short and marked by the occurrence of an action or a condition : time <stay here for a while>
2
: the time and effort used (as in the performance of an action) : trouble <worth your while>
See while defined for English-language learners
See while defined for kids
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Origin of WHILE
Middle English, from Old English hwīl; akin to Old High German hwīla time, Latin quies rest, quiet
2while
conjunction
: during the time that
—used to make a statement that describes how two people, groups, etc., are different
: in spite of the fact that
Full Definition of WHILE
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>
See while defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of WHILE
12th century
Related to WHILE
- Synonyms
- as, so long as, when, whilst [chiefly British]
3while
preposition
4while
verb
whiledwhil·ing
Definition of WHILE
transitive verb
: to cause to pass especially without boredom or in a pleasant manner —usually used with away <while away the time>
See while defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of WHILE
1635
WHILE Defined for Kids
1while
conjunction \ˈhwīl, ˈwīl\
Definition of WHILE for Kids
1
: during the time that <We met while in college.>
2
: although 1 <While famous, the book is seldom read.>
2while
noun
Definition of WHILE for Kids
1
: a period of time <Let's rest a while.>
2
: time and effort used in doing something <I'll make it worth your while to help out.>
3while
verb
whiledwhil·ing
Definition of WHILE for Kids
: to cause to pass especially in a pleasant way <We whiled away the time with games.>
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