Whist vs. While — What's the Difference?

Whist is a classic English trick-taking card game which was widely played in the 18th and 19th centuries. Although the rules are simple, there is scope for strategic play.

While is a word in the English language that functions both as a noun and as a subordinating conjunction. Its meaning varies largely based on its intended function, position in the phrase and even the writer or speaker's regional dialect.

A card game ancestral to bridge, played with a full deck by two teams of two players, in which the last card dealt indicates trump, tricks of four cards are played, and a point is scored for each trick over six won by each team.

A period of time

Any of several four-player card games, similar to bridge.

The time, effort, or trouble taken in doing something

A session of playing this card game.

As long as; during the time that

Alternative spelling of whisht. Silence!, quiet!, hush!, shhh!, shush!

In spite of the fact that; although

To hush, shush, or whisht; to still.

And on the contrary

To become silent.

To spend (time) idly or pleasantly

(rare) Silent, hushed.

An uncertain duration of time, a period of time.

Be silent; be still; hush; silence.

(US) an uncertain long period of time

A certain game at cards; - so called because it requires silence and close attention. It is played by four persons (those who sit opposite each other being partners) with a complete pack of fifty-two cards. Each player has thirteen cards, and when these are played out, the hand is finished, and the cards are again shuffled and distributed.

(Philippines) an uncertain short moment

To hush or silence.

During the same time that.

To be or become silent or still; to be hushed or mute.

Although.

Not speaking; not making a noise; silent; mute; still; quiet.

Until.

A card game for four players who form two partnerships; a pack of 52 cards is dealt and each side scores one point for each trick it takes in excess of six

As long as.

Until.

To pass (time) idly.

(transitive) To occupy or entertain (someone) in order to let time pass.

To elapse, to pass.

Alternative spelling or misspelling of wile.

Space of time, or continued duration, esp. when short; a time; as, one while we thought him innocent.

That which requires time; labor; pains.

To cause to pass away pleasantly or without irksomeness or disgust; to spend or pass; - usually followed by away.

To loiter.

During the time that; as long as; whilst; at the same time that; as, while I write, you sleep.

Hence, under which circumstances; in which case; though; whereas.

Until; till.

A period of indeterminate length (usually short) marked by some action or condition;