Looking for the meaning of the word WHILE in English for both noun and verb forms from the Oxford Dictionary? Below, you can explore all possible meanings and definitions of WHILE with sentence examples. You can also use the “AUDIO PRONUNCIATION” track to check the correct pronunciation in British English.
Word: While
Speech Type: Noun
Old English hwīl ‘period of time’, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch wijl, German Weile; the conjunction is an abbreviation of Old English thā hwīle the ‘the while that’
wʌɪl
a period of time
Short Definition:period of time
Examples:- we chatted for a while
- she retired a little while ago
at the same time; meanwhile
Short Definition:at same time
Examples:- he starts to draw, talking the while
Word: While
Speech Type: Conjunction
wʌɪl
during the time that; at the same time as
Short Definition:during time that
Examples:- nothing much changed while he was away
whereas (indicating a contrast)
Short Definition:whereas
Examples:- one person wants out, while the other wants the relationship to continue
Word: While
Speech Type: Adverb
wʌɪl
during which
Short Definition:during which
Examples:- the period while the animal remains alive
Word: While
Speech Type: Verb
wʌɪl
pass time in a leisurely manner
Short Definition:pass time in leisurely manner
Examples:- a diversion to while away the long afternoons
Word: While
Speech Type: Preposition
wʌɪl
until
Short Definition:until
Examples:- father will be happy while dinner time
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