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?
Recent Examples on the Web Her work has always centered around the lifestyle beat and typically has a fun yet informative tone. Erin Johnson, Peoplemag, 6 Mar. 2024 There was less thought given to props in that era of moviemaking, and storage space always remained an issue. Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Mar. 2024 With all forms of expression, there will always be things people don’t want to hear. Sofia Goldstein, SPIN, 5 Mar. 2024 Also, promises made by candidates are not always promises kept. Nicole Goodkind, CNN, 5 Mar. 2024 But one topic is always on Cincinnati's mind: Fiona the hippo. The Enquirer, 5 Mar. 2024 January, the story goes, is a month that always runs hot for inflation. Cale Clingenpeel, National Review, 5 Mar. 2024 After all, a fan’s dedication isn’t always reciprocated. Steven Leckart, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2024 Pets can make a house a home, but stopping your cats from scratching the furniture isn’t always easy. Rachel Kurzius, Washington Post, 5 Mar. 2024

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 19 Mar. 2024.

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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