formerly

adverb

for·​mer·​ly ˈfȯr-mər-lē 

ˈfȯr-mə-

1

: at an earlier time : previously

Istanbul was formerly known as Constantinople.

2

obsolete : just before

Synonyms of formerly

• once

Examples of formerly in a Sentence

He was formerly a congressman.

the newspaper formerly known as “The Newsprint”

Recent Examples on the Web

The 74,000-capacity Principality Stadium (formerly known as the Millennium Stadium) hosted this fixture six times between 2001 and 2006 during Wembley’s renovation works. — Nnamdi Onyeagwara, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

The talent agency represents a number of top creators, including MrBeast, Charli D’Amelio and Alix Earle, who formerly worked with Cooper but left her network, causing speculation about a rift or possible feud between the two creators. — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 16 Aug. 2026

Based on the 20th Century Studios motion picture with story by Jenny Bicks, The Greatest Showman is the first 20th Century Studios (formerly 20th Century Fox) title to be adapted for the stage by Disney Theatrical Group. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 15 Aug. 2026

The pair formerly worked together on Broadway and other projects. — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 15 Aug. 2026

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