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.
Is that a year-ago framework for Achane? Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 16 Feb. 2026 That’s down from roughly $37 million in the year-ago period. Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 10 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 Gross margin for the first nine months of 2025 was 40%, down from 42% in the year ago period. Bloomberg, Oc Register, 6 Feb. 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 26 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

ago

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

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