Definition of: while

(hwīl) noun
1. A short time; also, a period of time, or time in general: Stay and rest a while.
2. Time or pains expended on a thing; trouble; labor: only in the phrase worth while or worth one's while.
—between whiles From time to time.
—the while At the same time: He went about his work and sang the while.
—conj.
1. During the time that; as long as.
2. At the same time that; although: While he found fault, he also praised.
3. Colloq. Whereas: This man is short, while that one is tall.
4. Brit. Dial. Until; till.
—v.t. whiled, whil·ing To cause to pass lightly and pleasantly; spend; pass: usually with away: to while away the time. [OE hwīl]