once

adverb

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\ ˈwən(t)s

Definition of once

(Entry 1 of 4)

1 : one time and no more rode a horse only once went skydiving once

2 : at any one time : under any circumstances : ever didn't once thank me

3 : at some indefinite time in the past : formerly was once a booming mining town

4 : by one degree of relationship first cousin once removed

once and for all

1 : with finality : definitively The team proved once and for all that they are the best.

2 : for the last time I'm telling you once and for all that I'm not going.

once in a while

: now and then spent most of their time at home, but went out once in a while

once

noun

Definition of once (Entry 2 of 4)

: one single time : one time at least Please be on time this once.

at once

1 : at the same time : simultaneously

2 : immediately

3 : both entry 2 at once funny and sad

once

adjective

Definition of once (Entry 3 of 4)

: that once was : former a once successful actor

once

conjunction

Definition of once (Entry 4 of 4)

: at the moment when : as soon as Once she spoke, I recognized her.

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about once

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Examples of once in a Sentence

Adverb I will repeat the question once. The play was performed only once. She didn't once thank me. He didn't look at me once. It was once done that way. A river once flowed through this canyon. It was once a booming mining town. Their music was once very popular. Noun I have tried Indian food more than once. Please be on time just this once. For once you seem to know what I'm talking about. Adjective the once child star is now a lawyer in the entertainment industry Conjunction Once she spoke, I recognized her. you should have stopped wrestling once you knew someone was getting hurt, not five minutes later

Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb It was once known for developing biological weapons research during the Cold War Soviet era and is now one of the world’s largest research centers of its kind, CNN reported. — Char Adams, PEOPLE.com, "Explosion Reported at Russian Lab Carrying Dangerous Viruses Like Ebola and Smallpox," 17 Sep. 2019 Founded in 1974, the Center for Virology and Biotechnology was once known for developing biological weapons research during the Cold War Soviet era. — Helen Regan, CNN, "Explosion and fire break out at Russian lab known for housing deadly smallpox virus," 17 Sep. 2019 If the election produces a deadlock once again, one option for Netanyahu would be to attempt to form a national unity government with the Blue and White party. — NBC News, "Netanyahu fights for his political life as Israel heads to the polls," 17 Sep. 2019 He was once known as Fred Astaire by Copacabana’s bohemian crowd. — Diane Grosklaus Whitty, Harper's magazine, "Senior Portrait," 16 Sep. 2019 With Marquise Goodwin locked into his role, Deebo Samuel once again outplaying everyone and Trent Taylor close to returning, Pettis is starting to look like the odd man out. — Tony Holm, USA TODAY, "Fantasy football sizzlers, fizzlers: How high can Lamar Jackson's value go?," 16 Sep. 2019 Some predict a revival of the violence once known as the Troubles. — Mark Landler, New York Times, "To Make a Deal on Brexit, Boris Johnson Eyes an ‘All-Ireland’ Zone," 12 Sep. 2019 In fact, as Hollywood Life reports, the pair once known as Bennifer 2.0 were spotted watching Seraphina play football over the weekend, looking happy and comfortable in each other's company. — Emily Dixon, Marie Claire, "Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck Have Found a Co-Parenting Sweet Spot After Their Divorce," 9 Sep. 2019 Maddox Kopp and Spencer Kryger threw touchdown passes, while Cameron Bonner scored twice, Joshua Crissmon scored once and Paul Langemeier kicked two field goals. — Jack Marrion, Houston Chronicle, "Stratford football stifles Spring Woods in District 17-6A opener," 16 Sep. 2019 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun The second-year quarterback completed 10 of 13 passes for 113 yards, led two scoring drives in three series of action and once again showed play-making ability with his feet. — Dave Birkett, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit Lions' stock watch: Rookie LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin a bright spot," 25 Aug. 2017 Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective And Michigan's gone through spring drills without a clear answer of who will realistically be the front-runner once summer begins. — Nick Baumgardner, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan football's Shea Patterson still competing despite unclear situation," 12 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'once.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.