While

/waΙͺl/

The meaning and definition of While, with examples, synonyms, and a word game to make it stick.

Definition

noun
  1. An uncertain duration of time, a period of time.
    β€œHe lectured for quite a long while.”
conjunction
  1. (public policy) Used to denote an individual experiencing racial profiling when performing a seemingly benign activity.
    β€œHe was detained for four hours at the store yesterday. His crime? Shopping while black.”
  2. During the same time that.
    β€œHe was sleeping while I was singing.”

Definitions from the Free Dictionary API

Synonyms spell as much as provided that providing so long as whilst

Origin

From Old English hwil.

Source: Etymological Wordnet (CC BY-SA 3.0)

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