Definitions

awhile

[uh-hwahyl, uh-wahyl] / əˈʰwaɪl, əˈwaɪl /

ADVERB

for a short period

Synonyms

WEAK

briefly for a bit for a little while for a moment for a spell for a while for the moment momentarily not for long temporarily transiently

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.

See Examples For:

awhile

Don’t be surprised if the party lasts awhile longer.

From Barron's ● Jun. 12, 2026

He took awhile to get up but remained in the game for just over a minute before leaving for good at the 6:40 mark.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 19, 2026

Chrissy Lawler saw her social life dry up awhile back.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 22, 2026

Our call of the day from Charlie McElligott, Nomura’s widely respected cross-asset strategist, says investors had been ready for AI headwinds this year, but instead are facing a second-order one that wasn’t expected for awhile.

From MarketWatch ● Feb. 4, 2026

Martha alone of the older children didn’t need to have her tonsils out, the doctor said, and the children younger than Lillian could wait awhile.

From "Cheaper by the Dozen" by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey