formerly

adverb

for·​mer·​ly ˈfȯr-mər-lē 

ˈfȯr-mə-

1

: at an earlier time : previously

Istanbul was formerly known as Constantinople.

2

obsolete : just before

Synonyms of formerly

• once

Examples of formerly in a Sentence

He was formerly a congressman.

the newspaper formerly known as “The Newsprint”

Recent Examples on the Web

The lake that formerly covered the work was far out, glistening nearly out of sight, and the sand cracked beneath our feet. — Lara Johnson-Wheeler, Vogue, 3 July 2026

The agency is also monitoring for cyanobacteria, formerly known as blue-green algae, which can form harmful algal blooms that pose risks to people and animals. — Madison Smalstig july 3, Sacbee.com, 3 July 2026

On a parallel track to this downtown revitalization was the rise of Sporting KC, the Major League Soccer team formerly known as the Wizards. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026

With a signature pink hat that turned him into one of the most recognizable figures in Cubs history, James Anixter became a standout fan at Cubs games with a legacy that is formerly honored by the team after his recent death. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

formerly

adverb

for·​mer·​ly ˈfȯr-mər-lē 

: at an earlier time : previously