: for a while
Sit and rest awhile.
Can awhile be used after a preposition?: Usage Guide

Although considered a solecism by many commentators, awhile, like several other adverbs of time and place, is often used as the object of a preposition.

… would be generous enough to let me explore their world for awhile. David Yeadon

Examples of awhile in a Sentence

I'm going to sit and rest awhile. The rumor had been around awhile.
Recent Examples on the Web The Smith Era proved good overall and very good for awhile. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2024 The under-the-radar fishing town has long been blessed with wild beaches, rocky ocean vistas, and an easygoing surf scene, but a crop of openings has turned it into a place to linger awhile. Chloe Sachdev, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for awhile 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'awhile.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

adverbial use of a while (written as one word sporadically since Middle English), going back to Middle English awhile, one while, going back to Old English āne hwīle — more at a entry 2, while entry 1

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of awhile was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near awhile

Cite this Entry

“Awhile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/awhile. Accessed 31 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

awhile

adverb
ə-ˈhwī(ə)l How to pronounce awhile (audio)
ə-ˈwī(ə)l
: for a while : for a short time
sit and rest awhile

More from Merriam-Webster on awhile

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