ago

adjective or adverb

ə-ˈgō 

: earlier than the present time

10 years ago

Synonyms of ago

• since

Examples of ago in a Sentence

he left here long ago

Recent Examples on the Web

Subscriber growth surged 25% in the third quarter compared with year-ago levels. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 27 Nov. 2025

Under the new-ish Big Data + Panel scheme, regular-season NFL ratings are up 7% versus the year-ago period, while an expansion of the company’s OOH panel ensures that even more Thanksgiving impressions will be totted up after the dust clears down in Arlington. —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 26 Nov. 2025

That increase represents a 5% jump, faster than the rest of the country’s growth of 2% and outpacing California’s increase of 2% in the year-ago period, based on analysis by the California Fast Food Workers Union. —Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 22 Nov. 2025

What came of that months-ago conversation is the fourth location of Marczyk Fine Foods, planned for the Milk Market food hall in LoDo. —Max Scheinblum, Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2025

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

Phrases Containing ago

• a long time ago
• long ago
• not long ago
• not so long ago
• some time ago

Rhymes for ago

• acknow
• aglow
• airglow
• aloe
• altho
• although
• ammo
• backflow
• backhoe
• banjo
• barbeau
• bateau

Kids Definition

ago

adjective or adverb

ə-ˈgō 

: earlier than the present time

many years ago