always

adverb

al·​ways ˈȯl-wēz How to pronounce always (audio)
-wəz,
-(ˌ)wāz How to pronounce always (audio)
 also  ˈȯ-
1
: at all times : invariably
always smiling
2
: forever
will love you always
3
: at any rate : in any event
You can always try again if it doesn't work this time.

Examples of always in a Sentence

He always tries, but he doesn't always succeed. It's always a pleasure to see you. I can always tell when he's upset. This area is always filled with tourists. Things won't always go as planned. You're always welcome to stay with us. He has always been a good friend to me. Life won't always be this easy. I always thought they'd get married some day, but they never did. Isn't that what you've always wanted? See More
Recent Examples on the Web Young people have always wanted unique experiences that feel special. Daysia Tolentino, NBC News, 25 Nov. 2023 Jogging strollers will always be bulky, but Thule's Urban Glide was a little easier to handle both folded and unfolded than other strollers. Nena Farrell, WIRED, 25 Nov. 2023 Every year, according to Rockefeller Center Magazine, the tree — which is always a Northway Spruce — is picked out by the same person: Rockefeller Center's head gardener, Erik Pauze. Skyler Caruso, Peoplemag, 25 Nov. 2023 Still, there's always room for some color, as Marine—who goes by the username Prête moi ta veste—proved. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 25 Nov. 2023 And always remember that combining alcohol with certain medications can also cause severe adverse reactions. Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 25 Nov. 2023 And that has always been the magic of The Hunger Games, that there’s something in there for anyone. Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 25 Nov. 2023 Being that Texas is one of the country’s top pecan-producing states, the abundance of pecans has always meant an abundance of great pecan-laden desserts, particularly pecan pie. Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 2023 But streaming services always need fresh content, especially of the family-friendly variety, to keep subscribers. Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 13 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'always.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English alwayes, from alwey

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of always was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near always

Cite this Entry

“Always.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/always. Accessed 30 Nov. 2023.

Kids Definition

always

adverb
al·​ways ˈȯl-wēz How to pronounce always (audio) -wəz How to pronounce always (audio)
-ˌwāz
1
: at all times : invariably
always ready for a party
2
: throughout all time : forever
I'll remember you always

More from Merriam-Webster on always

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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