in a while

Idioms

Also, after a while. After a period of time, usually a moderately short time. For example, Go ahead, I'll be along in a while, or After a while we turned off the television and went for a walk. [c. 1300]

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.

in a while

It seems like the wildest character I’ve played in a while, and it’s me.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 6, 2026

A question I used to hear once in a while has become one of the most common requests on my desk.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 6, 2026

Once in a while, fans even track her down and follow her around in real life.

From BBC ● Jun. 16, 2026

Here’s a sentence you haven’t read in a while: John Travolta has made a masterpiece.

From Salon ● Jun. 2, 2026

Every once in a while Mama will ask me, “Don’t you want a little variety, Ida B?”

From "Ida B" by Katherine Hannigan

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023