noun
while
yl
noun
1
A period of time, especially one of uncertain or moderate length.
"We waited a while before the doctor called us in."
"It's been a while since I last saw her."
conj
1
During the same time that something else happens.
"She read a book while waiting for the bus."
"While you were out, a delivery arrived."
2
Used to introduce a contrast, similar to "whereas" or "although".
"While I agree with most of the plan, I still have concerns about the budget."
"While he's talented, he lacks experience."
How to Use While
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA stretch of time, or a word meaning "during" or "although" depending on context.
Common pairings
a short while
worth your while
once in a while
Word Forms
whiled past tense, whiles plural, whiles singular
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Etymology
From Old English hwil, "a space of time" — ultimately from a very old root meaning "rest" or "pause".