while

Universal Words conjunction, noun, verb conjunction (also formal whilst especially in BrE) 1 during the time that sth is happening SYNWHEN: We must have been burgled while we were asleep. * Her parents died while she was still at school. * While I was waiting at the bus stop, three buses went by in the opposite direction. 2 at the same time as sth else is happening: You can go swimming while I'm having lunch. * shoes mended while you wait 3 used to contrast two things: While Tom's very good at science, his brother is absolutely hopeless. * Some people work better to music while others do not. 4 (used at the beginning of a sentence) although; in spite of the fact that...: While I am willing to help, I do not have much time available. noun [sing.] a period of time: They chatted for a while. * I'll be back in a little while (= a short time). * I haven't seen him for quite a while (= a fairly long time). * They walked back together, talking all the while (= all the time). IDIOMS see ONCEadv., WORTHadj. verb PHRASALVERBS while sth<->away to spend time in a pleasant lazy way: We whiled away the time reading and playing cards.