Definition of while

< Whig

whiles >

while    (hwl, wl) KEY 

NOUN:

1. A period of time: stay for a while; sang all the while. See Usage Note at awhile.
2. The time, effort, or trouble taken in doing something: The project wasn't worth my while.

CONJUNCTION:

1. As long as; during the time that: It was lovely while it lasted.
2. At the same time that; although: While the grandparents love the children, they are strict with them.
3. 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.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old English hwl; see k^wei- in Indo-European roots