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Synonyms

while

American  
[hwahyl, wahyl] / ʰwaɪl, waɪl /

noun

  1. a period or interval of time.

    to wait a long while;

    He arrived a short while ago.

  2. Archaic. a particular time or occasion.


conjunction

  1. during or in the time that.

  2. throughout the time that; as long as.

  3. even though; although.

    While she appreciated the honor, she could not accept the position.

  4. at the same time that (showing an analogous or corresponding action).

    The floor was strewn with books, while magazines covered the tables.

preposition

  1. Archaic. until.

verb (used with object)

whiled, whiling
  1. to cause (time) to pass, especially in some easy or pleasant manner (usually followed byaway ).

idioms

  1. worth one's while, worth one's time, trouble, or expense.

    The art exhibition that opened yesterday isn't worth your while.

  2. all the while. all the while.

while British  
/ waɪl /

conjunction

  1. (subordinating) at the same time that

    please light the fire while I'm cooking

  2. (subordinating) all the time that

    I stay inside while it's raining

  3. (subordinating) in spite of the fact that

    while I agree about his brilliance I still think he's rude

  4. (coordinating) whereas; and in contrast

    flats are expensive, while houses are cheap

  5. (subordinating; used with a gerund) during the activity of

    while walking I often whistle

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

preposition

  1. dialect another word for until

    you'll have to wait while Monday for these sheets

    you'll never make any progress while you listen to me

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. (usually used in adverbial phrases) a period or interval of time

    once in a long while

  2. trouble or time (esp in the phrase worth one's while )

    it's hardly worth your while to begin work today

  3. at that time

    he was working the while

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
while More Idioms  

    More idioms and phrases containing while


Usage

It was formerly considered incorrect to use while to mean in spite of the fact that or whereas , but these uses have now become acceptable

Etymology

Origin of while

First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English hwīl; cognate with Dutch wijl, German weile, Old Norse hvīla, Gothic hweila

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Top staff take turns sitting with him on long trips, rotating so that others can sleep while one person remains by his side, according to White House officials.

From The Wall Street Journal

The results also carry clear implications for education policy, since the Montessori programs produced these gains while operating at significantly lower cost.

From Science Daily

Most trainers these days focus on strength and conditioning, often with weights, while weaving in elements of cardiovascular exercise.

From Los Angeles Times

The disastrous Alamo Bowl defeat would serve as an especially sobering reminder that while USC made progress under Lynn, it’s still a ways from heeding Riley’s guarantee.

From Los Angeles Times

Large numbers of deportations are one factor, he said, but besides that, some will decide against immigrating to the U.S., while others already in the country will choose to leave.

From Los Angeles Times