while Definition

while
conj

1. At the same time as.

Example: She held the bowl while I stirred
2. For as long as; for the whole time that.

Example: guards us while we sleep
3. During the time that.

Example: happened while we were abroad
4. Whereas.

Example: He likes camping, while she prefers sailing
5. Although.

Example: While I see your point, I still cannot agree

adverb

1. At or during which.

Example: all the months while I was ill

noun

1. A space or lapse of time.

Example: after a while

verb

whiled, whiling
1. To pass (time or hours, etc) in a leisurely or undemanding way.

Form: while away something (often)

Idiom: all the while

During all the time that.

Idiom: every once in a while (once in a while)

Now and then; sometimes but not often.

Idiom: for a while

For a long time.
Example: I haven't been to the cinema for a while

Idiom: in a while (in a little while)

In a short time.
Example: I'm going out in a while anyway

Idiom: in between whiles

During the intervals.

Idiom: make it worth someone's while

colloq
To reward them well for their trouble.

Idiom: worth while (worth one's while)

Worth one's time and trouble.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon hwil.