AWHILE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does awhile mean? 

• AWHILE (adverb)
  The adverb AWHILE has 1 sense:

1. for a short time

  Familiarity information: AWHILE used as an adverb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• AWHILE (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

For a short time

Synonyms:

awhile; for a while

Context example:

the baby was quiet for a while

 Context examples 

I was almost sure you would not leave London yet awhile; though you TOLD me, you know, at Barton, that you should not stay above a MONTH.

(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)

But not being at that time in a disposition to philosophise upon this phenomenon, I rather chose to observe what course the island would take, because it seemed for awhile to stand still.

(Gulliver's Travels into several remote nations of the world, by Jonathan Swift)

“The boy is willing enough. He will learn if he has a chance. But this is—” He paused awhile, for the word “murder” was his final judgment.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

He was silent awhile, and during his silence Dr. Van Helsing spoke:—Friend Jonathan, this is to you for twice reasons.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

When he had doctored people awhile, but not long, a rich and great lord had some money stolen.

(Fairy Tales, by The Brothers Grimm)

Most back pain goes away on its own, though it may take awhile.

(Back Pain, NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases)

Utterson ruminated awhile; he was surprised at his friend’s selfishness, and yet relieved by it.

(The Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde, by Robert Louis Stevenson)

“I have drawn blood enough to keep him quiet awhile; he should lie for a week where he is—that is the best thing for him and you; but another stroke would settle him.”

(Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson)

It's normal to forget things once in awhile.

(Memory, NIH: National Institute on Aging)

I stood awhile, looking through the porch at the stars, with a heart full of love and gratitude, and then walked slowly forth.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)