How to Pronounce While

To pronounce "while", say WHIL-e — 2 syllables, IPA /waɪl/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

while

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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2

Syllables

5

Letters

/waɪl/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “while”

"while" has 2 syllables: whil-e. It rhymes with reconcile and vile, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: weil, weill, wile, wyle — easy to mix up when writing.

What does while mean?

noun

  1. An uncertain duration of time, a period of time.

    “He lectured for quite a long while.”

verb

  1. To pass (time) idly.
  2. To occupy or entertain (someone) in order to let time pass.

preposition

  1. Until.

Synonyms

spellhang aroundlingeridlelazelounge

Hear “while” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with while

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

reconcilevilebeguileversatilejuvenilesenilehostilepileaislesmilerevilefile

Related words

piecespellmeanwhilemomentwhilstthenwhereasbesides

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "while"?▾

"While" has 2 syllables: whil · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "while"?▾

The IPA transcription of "while" is /waɪl/.

What does "while" mean?▾

While: An uncertain duration of time, a period of time.

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