the past
noun
1
: an earlier time : the time before the present
happy memories of the past
In the past, there was a company luncheon every month.
2
grammar
: a verb tense that is used to refer to the past : the past tense
The past of "walk" is "walked."
Examples of the past in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Thousands have protested Israel's ongoing war in various demonstrations over the past couple of years, including a Saturday march in Dublin to commemorate the United Nations recognized International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people.
—
Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Nov. 2025
Even after winning a national championship, part of Ohio State’s fan base couldn’t forgive him for the last Saturday in November each of the past four years.
—Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 30 Nov. 2025
Yet, London's vaults have been emptying rapidly for the past few years.
—Gaelle Legrand, CNBC, 29 Nov. 2025
As a Universal Year 1, 2026 is all about taking bold new steps, trusting the unknown, and moving into a fresh cycle—without forgetting the lessons of the past.
—Christina Pérez, Vogue, 29 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the past
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Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Nov. 2025
Even after winning a national championship, part of Ohio State’s fan base couldn’t forgive him for the last Saturday in November each of the past four years.
—Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 30 Nov. 2025
Yet, London's vaults have been emptying rapidly for the past few years.
—Gaelle Legrand, CNBC, 29 Nov. 2025
As a Universal Year 1, 2026 is all about taking bold new steps, trusting the unknown, and moving into a fresh cycle—without forgetting the lessons of the past.
—Christina Pérez, Vogue, 29 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the past
Cite this Entry
“The past.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20past. Accessed 30 Nov. 2025.
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