while away

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

while away verb

1. (tr, adverb) to pass (time) idly and usually pleasantly

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

while /hwaɪl, waɪl/   n., conj., v., whiled, whil•ing. 
n. [countable* singular]

1. an amount, period, or interval of time:
   a long while ago.

conj. 

2. during the time that:
   He read the paper while he waited.
3. as long as:
   While there's quiet I can sleep.
4. even though:
   While they are related, they don't get along.
5. at the same time that:
   She exercises while he grows fat.

v. 

6. while away, to cause (time) to pass, esp. pleasantly: [~ + away + object]
   whiling away the hours.
   [~ + object + away]
   to while the hours away.

Idioms

7. Idioms worth one's while, worth one's time, trouble, or expense.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

while  (hwīl, wīl), n., conj., prep., v., whiled, whil•ing. 
n. 

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. all the while, at or during this time;
   all along:
   She realized all the while that the cake would fall.
4. worth one's while, worth one's time, trouble, or expense:
   The art exhibition that opened yesterday isn't worth your while.

conj. 
5. during or in the time that.
6. throughout the time that;
   as long as.
7. even though;
   although:
   While she appreciated the honor, she could not accept the position.
8. at the same time that (showing an analogous or corresponding action):
   The floor was strewn with books, while magazines covered the tables.

prep. 
9. [Archaic.] until.

v.t. 
10. to cause (time) to pass, esp. in some easy or pleasant manner (usually fol. by away).
• bef. 900; Middle English; Old English hwīl; cognate with Dutch wijl, German weile, Old Norse hvīla, Gothic hweila