adv
Common
awhile
uh-WYL
Awhile (adv) means For a short time. Example: “Let's sit here awhile before heading back.”
adv
1
For a short time.
"Take two cupfuls of rolled oats, put in bread pan, turn on four cupfuls of boiling water, stir for awhile."
— Rufus Estes, Good Things to Eat (1911)
"Engine No. 18 went off into a shed to rest awhile, and No. 7, a precisely similar one, backed on to the train in her place."
— , When the Circle was Steam Operated (1944)
"Let's sit here awhile before heading back."
"She paused awhile to catch her breath."
"Wait awhile and the rain will probably stop."
How to use awhile
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFor a bit of time — a short period.
Common mistake
Awhile (one word) is an adverb meaning "for a time" and isn't used after a preposition; "a while" (two words) is a noun phrase used after "for" — "stay awhile" but "stay for a while".
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Let's sit here _____ before heading back.
Etymology
From Old English āne hwīle, "(for) a while".
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for awhile
See all rhymes for awhile →Frequently asked questions
What does “awhile” mean?
The word “awhile” means for a short time. In plain terms, for a bit of time — a short period.
How do you pronounce “awhile”?
“Awhile” is pronounced uh-WYL (/əˈwaɪl/ in IPA).
How do you use “awhile” in a sentence?
Here is “awhile” used in a sentence: “Let's sit here awhile before heading back.”
What is another word for “awhile”?
Words with a similar meaning to “awhile” include momentarily.
What part of speech is “awhile”?
“Awhile” is an adverb.
Where does the word “awhile” come from?
The word “awhile” comes from Old English. From Old English āne hwīle, "(for) a while".
Is “awhile” a common word?
“Awhile” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between 'awhile' and 'a while'?
Awhile is a single-word adverb meaning for a short time, as in rest awhile. A while is a two-word noun phrase meaning a period of time and is the form to use after a preposition, as in for a while or after a while.
Is it correct to say 'for awhile'?
No. Because awhile already means for a while, adding for is redundant. After the preposition for, use the two-word noun phrase: for a while.
How can you tell whether to use 'awhile' or 'a while'?
Try replacing the word with the phrase for a while. If the sentence still works and no other preposition is present, the one-word adverb awhile fits, as in wait awhile. If a preposition such as for, in, or after comes just before it, use the two words a while.
Is 'awhile' formal or informal?
Awhile is standard in both formal and informal English, though it can feel slightly literary. In everyday writing for a while is often more natural, while awhile suits concise or stylistic phrasing such as stay awhile.
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