while
(hwīl, wīl)
[Middle English, from Old English hwīl.]
noun
- A period of time: stay for a while; sang all the while. See Usage Note at: awhile
- The time, effort, or trouble taken in doing something: The project wasn't worth my while.
conj.
- As long as; during the time that: It was lovely while it lasted.
- At the same time that; although: While the grandparents love the children, they are strict with them.
- Whereas; and: The soles are leather, while the uppers are canvas.
transitive verb: whiled, whil·ing, whiles.
- To spend (time) idly or pleasantly: while the hours away.