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while
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As a noun, while means an uncertain duration of time, a period of time. As a conjunction, it means during the same time that.
Meanings of while
13 meaningsnoun
An uncertain duration of time, a period of time.
“He lectured for quite a long while.”
“It’s a long while since anyone lived there, so it’s a ruin now.”
USAn uncertain long period of time
PhilippinesAn uncertain short moment
conjunction
During the same time that.
“He was sleeping while I was singing.”
“Driving while intoxicated is against the law.”
Although.
“This case, while interesting, is a bit frustrating.”
“While I would love to help, I am very busy at the moment.”
Northern EnglandScotlandUntil.
“I'll wait while you've finished painting.”
As long as.
“While you're at school you may live at home.”
mediapublic policyUsed to denote an individual experiencing racial profiling when performing a seemingly benign activity.
“He was detained for four hours at the store yesterday. His crime? Shopping while black.”
preposition
Northern EnglandScotlandUntil.
verb
see also while awayTo pass (time) idly.
“I whiled away the hours whilst waiting for him to arrive”
To occupy or entertain (someone) in order to let time pass.
Older and rare meanings (1)
archaicTo elapse, to pass.
Alternative spelling or misspelling of wile.
Meanings from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).