To save this word, you'll need to log in.
Definition of nonce
(Entry 1 of 2)
1 : the one, particular, or present occasion, purpose, or use
for the nonce
2 : the time being
nonce
adjectiveDefinition of nonce (Entry 2 of 2)
: occurring, used, or made only once or for a special occasion
a nonce word
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Test Your Vocabulary
Semantic Drift Quiz
- Which of the following was once a synonym for fun?

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Share nonce
Time Traveler for nonce
The first known use of nonce was in the 13th century
See more words from the same century