ago

adjective or adverb

: earlier than the present time
10 years ago

Examples of ago in a Sentence

he left here long ago
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Charter Communications lost video customers in its third quarter, although fewer than in the year-ago period, as the cable and Internet giant faces stiff competitive headwinds from YouTube and other streaming-era rivals. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 31 Oct. 2025 International refining posted earnings of $499 million, up 11% from $449 million in the year-ago period. Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2025 Crocs brand revenues were guided down 3 percent, while the struggling Hey Dude brand was forecasted to be down mid-20 percent from year-ago levels. Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2025 Sales rose from the year-ago quarter to $1.69 billion. Dean Seal, WSJ, 6 Apr. 2023 See All Example Sentences for ago

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ago, agon, from past participle of agon "to go away, pass by, pass away, come to an end," going back to Old English āgān "to go away, depart, (of time) pass," from ā-, perfective prefix + gān "to go entry 1" — more at abide

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ago was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ago.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ago. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

ago

adjective or adverb
: earlier than the present time
many years ago

More from Merriam-Webster on ago

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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