ago

adjective or adverb

Synonyms of agonext
: 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.
Earlier Friday, Exxon reported fourth-quarter results that beat Wall Street estimates, but both profit and revenue were down from the year-ago period due to weak crude prices. Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026 Late season demand was addressed through DTC retail and online channels, enabling DTC revenue up 5 percent and a wholesale revenue gain of 4 percent, both compared to year-ago levels. Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 30 Jan. 2026 That was up 14% from the year-ago quarter and in line with estimates. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 30 Jan. 2026 That’s up 4% from the NFC clash in 2024, but down 20% versus year-ago window on CBS. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 28 Jan. 2026 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 4 Feb. 2026.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster