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

While results will start pouring in when the polls close, the outcome of any race may not be clear for awhile. —Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024

After awhile, crocodile Cassius, the world’s largest crocodile in captivity, recently died at an Australian wildlife sanctuary. —Andrew Torgan, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024

Movies in black and white and stories from Bob Costas get old after awhile. —Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024

Game 4 was close for awhile as Margarita led 12-10 before stretching its margin to 14-10, 18-11, 19-12, 20-13, and 24-14, before winning 25-16. —Martin Henderson, Orange County Register, 23 Oct. 2024

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