awhile

adverb

ə-ˈ(h)wī(-ə)l 

: 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 formal renewal comes three months after the release of Season 3 but fans shouldn’t worry about a delay — the 10-episode new season had been in the works for awhile, with production set to begin next month. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 21 Jan. 2025

For awhile, Nate Grant worked in corporate America and the nonprofit sector, including roles as a buyer at Sears, Roebuck & Co., and later at The Woodlawn Organization, a nonprofit focused on addressing inequalities in housing, education, healthcare and other areas for Chicago families. —Samantha Moilanen, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025

It’s also been awhile since a first lady has sported a hat to watch her husband take the presidential oath. —Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 20 Jan. 2025

It's been awhile since the star went for a dark shade; she's been sticking to more neutral tones and shorter lengths as of late, but the chocolate cherry mani is the total opposite of her signature nudes. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 20 Jan. 2025

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

Kids Definition

awhile

adverb

ə-ˈhwī(ə)l 

ə-ˈwī(ə)l

: for a while : for a short time

sit and rest awhile