have a spell
Sit and rest a while; take a short break.
Also called sit a spell, set a spell, rest a spell.
Updated September 24, 2026
have a spell pronunciation
/HAV uh SPEL/
Meaning
Means stop what you're doing and take a little time. Same family as sit a spell or set a spell on the porch. Spell here means a short stretch of time, not magic. You might hear it after heavy work, heat, or when company shows up and needs to cool their heels.
How folks use it
- “Come on in and have a spell before you head back out in that heat.”
- “We had a spell on the tailgate, then finished loading the hay.”
Origin and etymology
Spell meaning a while or a turn of work goes back to older English and stayed strong in Southern and Appalachian speech. Have a spell lines up with sit a spell and set a spell, porch invitations that mean rest and visit. Folks also say have a spell for a dizzy or sick episode, so context matters.
Frequently asked questions
Does have a spell always mean rest?
No. It can also mean a sudden sick or emotional episode ("she had a spell at the store"). Tone and context usually make the difference clear.