while

Less common meanings

4. 4
   spend timeverbtransitivein compounds

   To spend a stretch of time in a slow, relaxed way.

   On rainy days, the kids while away the hours playing board games.

   Grandpa whiled away the afternoon on the porch, watching the cars go by.

   UsageUsed with away: while away the time, or while the time away.

   Similaridle, laze, lounge

   Note
5. 5
   until (event)conjunctiondialectalNorthern EnglandScotland

   Used to mean "until": up to the moment something happens.

   Wait here while I get back.

   You can't go out to play while your homework is done.

   Similaruntil, till

   Note
6. 6
   until (time)prepositiondialectalNorthern EnglandScotland

   Used before a time to mean "until" that time.

   The shop stays open while midnight on weekends.

   I'll be at work while six tonight.

   Similaruntil, till

   Note
7. 7
   go byverbarchaicintransitive

   Of hours, days or years, to pass or go by.

   Years whiled. He aged, sank, sickened; and was not: / And it was said, 'A man intractable / And curst is gone.'

   1901, Thomas Hardy, “A Man”Here, whiled means went by, so the years passed.

   The tedious hours whiled slowly on, 'till the succeeding afternoon, when the expected carriage made its appearance much sooner than they had promised themselves.

   1764, Mrs. Gunning (Susannah), Family Pictures

   Note
8. 8
   verbarchaic

   To keep someone busy or entertained so that time goes by.

   In other worlds I whiled me now Through many a dark night long.

   2010, Dr Rudolf Steiner, Truth-Wrought-Words