while away

British  

verb

1. (tr, adverb) to pass (time) idly and usually pleasantly

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while away Idioms  

1. Spend time idly or pleasantly, as in It was a beautiful day and we whiled away the hours in the garden. This expression is the only surviving use of the verb while, meaning “to spend time.” [First half of 1600s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

while away

After the latter vote, Trump defended doing so while away from the state but reiterated his broader opposition.

From Barron's ● Aug. 18, 2026

Helene Svinos, from Manchester, got in touch with BBC Your Voice earlier this month about her experience when her dog Rowan had an emergency admission while away in Suffolk last summer.

From BBC ● Jan. 27, 2026

Any such changes in U.S. accounting rules would be a while away.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 24, 2025

As luck has it, there is a gelato joint next door and so we continue his lead, sit on the terrace, people-watch and while away and enjoy lemon sorbet.

From Salon ● Nov. 8, 2025

To while away the time, and perhaps to feign indifference until the deciding game was finished, Bobby began playing speed chess with a few of his chess friends.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

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Related Words

• consume
• devote
• employ
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