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

While net sales dropped about 4%, the decline was about 8% for the quarter in the year-ago period. —Brian Womack, Dallas Morning News, 26 Feb. 2026

That’s up from $96 million in the year-ago quarter. —Jordan Novet, CNBC, 25 Feb. 2026

Is that a year-ago framework for Achane? —Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 16 Feb. 2026

Employers announced 108,435 job cuts in the first month of the year, up 118% from the year-ago figures, according to outplacement firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas. —Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026

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