: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The price typically ranges from $8 to $11 a tube, which does last awhile, since the product is so thick. Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 2 June 2025 Be gentle with yourself for awhile Any crash is traumatic, but having your home hit is especially nerve-shattering. Josh Max, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025 Instead, Jim prefers to stay long Starbucks awhile awaiting additional progress on the turnaround. Paulina Likos, CNBC, 29 May 2025 Spoiler alert: Ramsey may have some time off from killing fungal zombies for awhile. Need a break? Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for awhile

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Awhile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/awhile. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.

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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