ENGLISH
REFERENCE

awhile

adv.
US //əˈwaɪɫ// UK //ɐwˈaɪl// awhile
  1. 1 for a short time (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    for a short time.

    for a short, indefinite period of time.

    Example

    We sat on the park bench and rested awhile before continuing our walk.

    Example

    After the presentation concluded, the delegates lingered awhile in the lobby to discuss the implications of the new policy.

    Usage

    Functions as an adverb; it should not follow a preposition like 'for' or 'in'.
    Pitfall
    I am going to stay for awhile.
    I am going to stay awhile.

    The word 'awhile' is an adverb that already includes the meaning of 'for'. If you use the preposition 'for', you must use the two-word noun phrase 'a while'.

  2. 2 in the meantime (adv.)
    C1 Advanced American English Dialect

    during an ongoing process or while waiting for something else to happen.

    occurring during an implicit or explicit ongoing process; used to indicate an interim action.

    Example

    The main course is still cooking, so have some snacks awhile.

    Example

    The technician is rebooting the server; you might as well check your physical mail awhile.

    Teacher's tip

    This specific usage is largely restricted to certain American regional dialects (such as in Pennsylvania) and may sound non-standard to other English speakers.
Origin

From Old English ane (“(for) a”) hwile (“while”).

Word family

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