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

Anna Rose Layden | Getty Images Dollar sales of prepackaged salads plunged 14% during the four weeks ended July 25 compared with the year-ago period, according to NielsenIQ. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026

The studio division faced tough comparisons with the year-ago period, which featured hits like A Minecraft Movie, Sinners, and Final Destination Bloodlines. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 6 Aug. 2026

However things shake out with Super Bowl LXI, Disney is all but certain to break NBC’s year-ago sales record. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 5 Aug. 2026

Net income was €545 million, compared with a net loss of -€86 million in the year-ago period. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 4 Aug. 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