1. for a while - Adverb
2. for a while - Phrase
for a short time
Source: WordNetCuriosity killed the cat, but for a while I was a suspect. Steven Wright
I think people should be allowed to do anything they want. We haven't tried that for a while. Maybe this time it'll work. George Carlin
For a while I was suicidal and I tried to kill myself. I think I should have died about four times. Jack Osbourne
Willingness to change is a strength, even if it means plunging part of the company into total confusion for a while. Jack Welch
After the meal, one has to be still and shut the eyes for a while in the gloom. Scanian Proverb
When the cow has been sold with firmness you may relax for a while and go for a better one. English Proverb