yesteryear

noun

yes·​ter·​year ˈye-stər-ˌyir 

1

: last year

2

: time gone by

especially : the recent past

yesteryear adverb

Did you know?

Word History of Yesteryear

Mais où sont les neiges d’antan is the refrain of a famous poem by François Villon, translated as “But where are the snows of yesteryear?” The line is understood to express a melancholy nostalgia.

The translation was by the English poet Dante Gabriel Rossetti. Both the French antan and yesteryear originally simply meant “last year,” but today their meaning has broadened to “time gone by.”

Synonyms

• past

Examples of yesteryear in a Sentence

the simple games of yesteryear that kept children entertained for hours

Recent Examples on the Web

Designed and produced by creative partner Callen, each room offers a unique theme to transport guests back to yesteryear. —Emma Kershaw, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

Nance then casually mentioned former Leeds manager Don Revie when discussing Leeds’ yesteryears. —Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 15 May 2025

Smeg Retro Style Aesthetic Drip Coffee Machine $260 Amazon Specs For a touch of yesteryear in your kitchen, Smeg appliances hold a special place in our retro-loving hearts. —Sarah Madaus, Architectural Digest, 20 June 2025

Shoppers of all ages share an affection for yesteryear. —Simon Hathaway, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

yesterday + year

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing yesteryear

• of yesteryear

Rhymes for yesteryear

• acyclovir
• asthenosphere
• ganciclovir
• magnetosphere
• atmosphere
• biosphere
• centromere
• chemosphere
• chromosphere
• hemisphere
• hydrosphere
• lithosphere

Kids Definition

yesteryear

noun

yes·​ter·​year ˈyes-tər-ˌyi(ə)r 

1

: last year

2

: the recent past