once upon a time
idiom
: at some time in the past
He was a famous actor once upon a time.
Note: Once upon a time is the traditional way to begin a fairy tale.
Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess named Snow White.
Examples of once upon a time in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
And while Schenn was a superb trade fit with the Leafs once upon a time, that was nearly three years ago.
—
Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026
Focus on simple traditions When children grow up, what resonates with them in adulthood is more than likely the memories and traditions that Christmas held for them once upon a time.
—Sarah Scott, Parents, 20 Dec. 2025
Spears was also nominated for best new artist once upon a time, losing to Christina Aguilera in 2000.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 11 Nov. 2025
And Rae was one of those kids, once upon a time.
—Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 11 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for once upon a time
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026
Focus on simple traditions When children grow up, what resonates with them in adulthood is more than likely the memories and traditions that Christmas held for them once upon a time.
—Sarah Scott, Parents, 20 Dec. 2025
Spears was also nominated for best new artist once upon a time, losing to Christina Aguilera in 2000.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 11 Nov. 2025
And Rae was one of those kids, once upon a time.
—Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 11 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for once upon a time
Cite this Entry
“Once upon a time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/once%20upon%20a%20time. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
