What does "awhile" mean?

For some time; for a short time.

Awhile

Common synonyms include: briefly, fixed phrase, for a time, for a while, for the time being, idiomatic use.

/əˈwaɪl/ adv

adv ·Rare ·Advanced level

Adverb

1
For some time; for a short time. not-comparable
"Sit with me awhile."
2
In the meantime; during an implicit ongoing process. US, not-comparable
"Can I get you a drink awhile?"

Adverb

"I'll bet Madonna doesn't return to her career for awhile."

From Old English ane (“(for) a”) hwile (“while”).