once
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1once
adverb \ˈwən(t)s\Definition of ONCE
1
: one time and no more <rode a horse only once>
2
: at any one time : under any circumstances : ever <didn't once thank me>
3
: at some indefinite time in the past : formerly <was once a booming mining town>
4
: by one degree of relationship <first cousin once removed>
— once and for all
1
: with finality : definitively
2
: for the last time
— once in a while
See Examples of ONCE
- I will repeat the question once.
- The play was performed only once.
- She didn't once thank me.
- He didn't look at me once.
- It was once done that way.
- A river once flowed through this canyon.
- It was once a booming mining town.
- Their music was once very popular.
Origin of ONCE
Middle English ones, from genitive of on one
First Known Use: 12th century
2once
nounDefinition of ONCE
: one single time : one time at least <please be on time this once>
— at once
Examples of ONCE
- I have tried Indian food more than once.
- Please be on time just this once.
- For once you seem to know what I'm talking about.
First Known Use of ONCE
13th century
3once
adjectiveDefinition of ONCE
: that once was : former <a once successful actor>
Examples of ONCE
- <the once child star is now a lawyer in the entertainment industry>
First Known Use of ONCE
1691
4once
conjunctionDefinition of ONCE
: at the moment when : as soon as <once she spoke, I recognized her>
Examples of ONCE
- Once she spoke, I recognized her.
- <you should have stopped wrestling once you knew someone was getting hurt, not five minutes later>
First Known Use of ONCE
1761
Related to ONCE
- Synonyms
- as soon as, immediately [chiefly British], instantly, when
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