formerly

adverb

for·​mer·​ly ˈfȯr-mər-lē 

ˈfȯr-mə-

1

: at an earlier time : previously

2

obsolete : just before

Synonyms

• erstwhile
• once
• onetime

Example Sentences

He was formerly a congressman.

the newspaper formerly known as “The Newsprint”

Recent Examples on the Web

In January the folks behind the Golden Raspberry Awards (as the Razzies are formerly known) apologized and removed child actor Ryan Kiera Armstrong from their annual list of nominees. —Lisa Respers France, CNN, 11 Mar. 2023

Since 2016, the company Redwire (formerly named Made in Space) has been conducting a variety of experiments using 3D printers on the International Space Station. —Ramin Skibba, WIRED, 10 Mar. 2023

In his speech on Sept. 9, King Charles confirmed that William will also take on the title of Prince of Wales, which was formerly held by Charles. —Stephanie Petit, Peoplemag, 10 Mar. 2023

The area has also been a draw for breweries in recent years: City Lights, Third Space and Explorium have all opened brewing operations that make full use of the valley's large, formerly industrial buildings. —Drake Bentley, Journal Sentinel, 10 Mar. 2023

Buckingham Palace announced Friday that the king gave Prince Edward, formerly known as the Earl of Wessex, the title of Duke of Edinburgh to honor the prince's birthday. —Elise Brisco, USA TODAY, 10 Mar. 2023

Raytheon Technologies, formerly United Technologies UTX 0.0% , is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. —Charles Rotblut, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2023

Mossville, Lousiana, a tiny town just west of Lake Charles that was founded by people who were formerly enslaved, has been historically plagued by manufacturing pollution. —Li Cohen, CBS News, 17 Feb. 2023

The opera revolves around her friendship (and possibly a love affair) with Ned, himself an elegant, insightful man who was formerly enslaved. —Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

formerly

adverb

for·​mer·​ly ˈfȯr-mər-lē 

: at an earlier time : previously