[hwahyl, wahyl] 
noun, conjunction, preposition, verb, whiled, whil⋅ing.| 1. | a period or interval of time: to wait a long while; He arrived a short while ago. |
| 2. | Archaic. a particular time or occasion. |
| 3. | during or in the time that. |
| 4. | throughout the time that; as long as. |
| 5. | even though; although: While she appreciated the honor, she could not accept the position. |
| 6. | at the same time that (showing an analogous or corresponding action): The floor was strewn with books, while magazines covered the tables. |
| 7. | Archaic. until. |
| 8. | to cause (time) to pass, esp. in some easy or pleasant manner (usually fol. by away). |
| 9. | all the while, at or during this time; all along: She realized all the while that the cake would fall. |
| 10. | worth one's while, worth one's time, trouble, or expense: The art exhibition that opened yesterday isn't worth your while. |
while away
Spend time idly or pleasantly, as in It was a beautiful day and we whiled away the hours in the garden. This expression is the only surviving use of the verb while, meaning "to spend time." [First half of 1600s]