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
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
The situation feels reminiscent of that of Jake Muzzin, a defenceman who filled a similar defensive role for the Leafs as Tanev once upon a time.
—Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 3 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.
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
The situation feels reminiscent of that of Jake Muzzin, a defenceman who filled a similar defensive role for the Leafs as Tanev once upon a time.
—Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 3 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 1 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share