Meaning of while in English | Powered by Free Dictionary API

noun

• An uncertain duration of time, a period of time.

  Example: He lectured for quite a long while.

verb

• To pass (time) idly.

• To occupy or entertain (someone) in order to let time pass.

• To loiter.

preposition

• Until.

conjunction

• During the same time that.

  Example: He was sleeping while I was singing.

• Although.

  Example: This case, while interesting, is a bit frustrating.

• Until.

  Example: I'll wait while you've finished painting.

• As long as.

  Example: While you're at school you may live at home.

• (public policy) Used to denote an individual experiencing racial profiling when performing a seemingly benign activity.

  Example: He was detained for four hours at the store yesterday. His crime? Shopping while black.