n., conj., v., & adv.
--n.
1. a space of time, time spent in some action (a long while ago; waited a while; all this while).
2 (prec. by the) a during some other process. b poet. during the time that.
3 (prec. by a) for some time (have not seen you a while).
--conj.
1. during the time that; for as long as; at the same time as (while I was away, the house was burgled; fell asleep while reading).
2 in spite of the fact that; although, whereas (while I want to believe it, I cannot).
3 N.Engl. until (wait while Monday).
--v.tr. (foll. by away) pass (time etc.) in a leisurely or interesting manner.
--rel.adv. (prec. by time etc.) during which (the summer while I was abroad).
Phrases and idioms:
all the while during the whole time (that). for a long while for a long time past. for a while for some time. a good (or great) while a considerable time. in a while (or little while) soon, shortly. worth while (or one's while) worth the time or effort spent.
Etymology: OE hwil f. Gmc: (conj.) abbr. of OE tha hwile the, ME the while that