while away: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, neutral
Quick answer
What does “while away” mean?
To spend time in a relaxed, leisurely, or idle manner, typically when waiting for something or when there is nothing else to do.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To spend time in a relaxed, leisurely, or idle manner, typically when waiting for something or when there is nothing else to do.
To pass time pleasantly or without purpose, often engaging in light activity to make time seem to go faster.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in both dialects.
Connotations
Slightly old-fashioned or literary in tone, but still commonly understood and used.
Frequency
Slightly more common in British English, but well-established in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “while away” in a Sentence
[Subject] + while away + [Time Period] + (by + [Gerund])[Subject] + while away + [Time Period] + [Gerund]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “while away” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We whiled away the afternoon watching the cricket match.
- He whiled away the train journey with a crossword.
American English
- They whiled away the evening chatting on the porch.
- She whiled away the flight by watching movies.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; occasionally used metaphorically for unproductive meetings.
Academic
Very rare.
Everyday
Common for describing leisurely activities during waiting periods or holidays.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “while away”
- Forgetting the object (e.g., 'We whiled away.' is incorrect).
- Using incorrect prepositions (e.g., 'while away in reading' should be 'while away by reading' or 'while away reading').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is generally neutral or positive, implying pleasant, leisurely passing of time, not wasteful boredom.
Yes, but it's more common for longer, noticeable periods (hours, an afternoon). Using it for 'a few minutes' can sound slightly odd or poetic.
'While away' is more literary and often implies a gentler, more pleasant activity. 'Kill time' is more casual and can imply a stronger desire for time to pass quickly.
Both spellings exist, but 'while away' is by far the more common and standard modern spelling. 'Wile away' is an archaic variant.
To spend time in a relaxed, leisurely, or idle manner, typically when waiting for something or when there is nothing else to do.
While away is usually informal, neutral in register.
While away: in British English it is pronounced /waɪl əˈweɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /waɪl əˈweɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Whiling away the hours”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the WHILE as the time you have, and AWAY as making it disappear pleasantly.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A RESOURCE TO BE SPENT (idly).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'while away' correctly?