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

There are lots of software applications that mimic the movements of a computer mouse, so you can appear to be working while away from your desk.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 20, 2026

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

From Barron's ● Aug. 18, 2026

People can protect themselves while away by following good food and water hygiene measures, including drinking bottled water and eating thoroughly cooked food, even when staying in high-end all-inclusive resorts.

From BBC ● Jul. 30, 2026

Working his acoustic guitar with a French horn accompaniment — French horns! — he dares us to balance our relentless socioeconomic drive with our deep need to hang out, to while away the hours.

From Salon ● Mar. 6, 2026

The frieze alone boasted a thousand sparrows so lifelike that real birds had been known to while away their lives romancing them in vain.

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor

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Related Words

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