Definition
While (I was sleeping...): When, during the time that, as (I was sleeping...)
In British English, whilst is often used in place of "while".
He shouted at his wife while I was still in the room, I didn't know what to say.
Can you wait for me while I get ready?
While (on the building site, be very careful): When, if you are (on the building site, be very careful)
(to wait for) a while: (to wait for) a period of time, a moment
It's been a while since I last heard from you, how have you been?
Pronunciation examples
UK: Whilst you're up, would you mind making me a cup of tea?
US: I cut my chin while shaving this morning.
- "And while I'm here, we'll be serving dinner in about half an hour."
- "For those of you just tuning in, it was reported that the eccentric perfume magnate was piloting a hot air balloon while drunk when he lost control of the machine."
- "Horatio : Do you know who is feeding my monkeys while we're gone?"
- "Bruno : I felt like the king of the world while Betty's banquet continued."
- "Yes, yes... "heart attack while saving orphans from a fire"."
- "I'm sitting in Mr. Warbuckle's golf cart, while he drives me around the ranch."
- "Perhaps Michael can write a song to sing while you shake the bottle?"
- "At the same time, Philip developed a talent for sales while travelling door to door with his father and selling first hot dogs, then toasters, and eventually insurance policies."
- "Now you shake the test tube, while I sing the peace and love song."
- "while children like dogs because they often solve mysteries in a large van in cartoons."
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