ago

adjective or adverb

: 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.
All but two of those telecasts improved on their year-ago ratings. Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2025 Private banking and lending fees surged 40% year over year, while debt investments revenue was up 9% versus the year-ago period. Zev Fima, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025 All but one of Combs’ attorneys took to the podium to speak on his behalf—but when the mogul’s only Black female counsel spoke on his behalf and began to cry, recounting a years-ago first-time meeting with the Bad Boy founder, the judge thanked her. Essence, 7 Oct. 2025 And demand for used EVs is up by 22% compared with the year-ago period. Jamie L. Lareau, Freep.com, 23 Sep. 2025 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 25 Oct. 2025.

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!