awhile

American  

[uh-hwahyl, uh-wahyl] / əˈʰwaɪl, əˈwaɪl /

adverb

1. for a short time or period.

   Stay awhile.

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awhile British  

/ əˈwaɪl /

adverb

1. for a brief period

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Spelling

The adverb awhile is spelled as a single word: After stopping in Hadley awhile, we drove to Deerfield. As the object of a preposition, the noun phrase a while is used, especially in edited writing, but the single-word form is becoming increasingly common: We rested for a while (or awhile ).

Etymology

Origin of awhile

before 1000; Middle English; Old English āne hwīle (dative); a ¹, while

Explanation

When you've been doing something awhile, you've been doing something for an indefinite amount of time: it could be a little while or a long while. This is a word that's hard to figure out without context. Awhile always applies to time, but the amount of time can be small or large. You could say you've been waiting awhile in line at the bank: that might mean 15 minutes. On the other hand, if you haven't heard from a friend in months, you could say, "Wow... It's been awhile!" Like a bit or a load, you can't measure awhile.

Example Sentences

Even if the war ends soon, it could take awhile to restore some energy supply.

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026

Chrissy Lawler saw her social life dry up awhile back.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 22, 2026

While it doesn’t necessarily mean the stock is in trouble, since this technical condition can last for awhile and be worked off without a selloff, it does suggest caution.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 21, 2026

These details don’t cost much, but they whisper the same message:you’re cared for; linger awhile.

From Salon • Nov. 25, 2025

We all sat silent awhile and all at once Mr. Morris spoke:—

From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker