while

US /waɪl/

UK /waɪl/

1.

a period of time

:

•

I haven't seen her for a while.

•

Let's rest for a while.

:

period time duration spell stretch

1.

during the time that; at the same time as

:

•

I read a book while I waited.

•

She sang while she cooked.

:

during whilst as

2.

although; despite the fact that

:

•

While I understand your point, I don't agree.

•

Some people prefer coffee, while others prefer tea.

:

whereas although though whilst

1.

to pass (time) in a pleasant or idle manner

:

•

We whiled away the afternoon playing cards.

•

They whiled the hours talking and laughing.

:

pass spend occupy fill

:

while away fiddle while Rome burns strike while the iron is hot make something worth someone's while make hay while the sun shines