while while /ˈhwaɪl/

conjunction

1. () At the same time that  ( whilst [British] , as , while , when )
   at the same time that
   
2. () Even though; despite that fact; however  ( though , while , altho [American] , although , tho' [Informal] , whilst [British] )
   even though; despite that fact; however
   

noun

1. () A period of indeterminate length (usually short) marked by some action or condition  ( patch , piece , spell , while )
   a period of indeterminate length (usually short) marked by some action or condition
    He was here for a little while
   he was here for a little while
    I need to rest for a piece
   I need to rest for a piece
    A spell of good weather
   a spell of good weather
    A patch of bad weather
   a patch of bad weather