once

[wuhns]

adverb

1. at one time in the past; formerly.

   I was a farmer once;

   a once powerful nation.

2. a single time: We go to a movie once a week.

   We ate there just once.

   We go to a movie once a week.

3. even a single time; at any time; ever.

   If the facts once become known, it will be just too bad.

4. by a single step, degree, or grade.

   a cousin once removed.

adjective

1. former; having at one time been.

   the once and future king.

conjunction

1. if or when at any time; if ever.

2. whenever; as soon as.

   Once you're finished, you can leave.

noun

1. a single occasion; one time only.

   Once is enough.

once

/ wʌns /

adverb

1. one time; on one occasion or in one case

2. at some past time; formerly

   I could speak French once

3. by one step or degree (of relationship)

   a cousin once removed

4. (in conditional clauses, negatives, etc) ever; at all

   if you once forget it

5. multiplied by one

6. 1. conclusively

   2. occasionally

7. conclusively; for the last time

8. occasionally; now and then

9. a few times

10. used to begin fairy tales and children's stories

conjunction

1. (subordinating) as soon as; if ever or whenever

   once you begin, you'll enjoy it

noun

1. one occasion or case

   you may do it, this once

2. 1. suddenly or without warning

   2. simultaneously

3. 1. immediately

   2. simultaneously

4. this time, if (or but) at no other time

Word History and Origins

Origin of once¹

First recorded before 1150; Middle English ones, Old English ānes, originally genitive of ān “one” replacing Middle English enes, Old English ǣnes “once,” equivalent to ǣne “once” (originally instrumental of ān ) + -es adverb suffix; one, -s ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of once¹

C12 ones, ānes, adverbial genitive of on, ān _one

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. once and again, repeatedly.

   He has been told once and again not to slam the door.

2. all at once,

   1. simultaneously.

      The children were running, screaming, and throwing things all at once.

   2. suddenly.

      All at once the rain came down.

3. at once,

   1. at the same time; simultaneously.

      Don't all speak at once.

   2. immediately; promptly.

      Tell him to come at once!

4. once upon a time, at some unspecified past time, especially a long time ago.

   Once upon a time, in a faraway land, there lived a prince and princess.

5. once or twice, a very few times; infrequently.

   I've seen her in the elevator once or twice.

6. once and for all, decisively; finally: Also once for all.

   Let's settle this problem once and for all.

7. once in a while, at intervals; occasionally.

   She stops in to see us once in a while.

More idioms and phrases containing once

• all at once
• at once
• every now and then (once in a while)
• give someone the once-over

Example Sentences

WeWork has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, marking a stunning fall for the office-sharing company once seen as a Wall Street darling.

From Los Angeles Times

But once he lost that, he could not recover.

From BBC

He then admitted he had once described the CDC as the "most corrupt" agency in government, and strongly hinted he's not finished with his plans to shake up the organisation.

From BBC

The Kremlin has long been uneasy of the freedoms offered to people by the internet, which Vladimir Putin once called a CIA project.

From BBC

They doubled their lead in the second half, capitalising once again with their attacking quality after City created good chances of their own, but did not take them.

From BBC

Related Words

• already 
• before 
• earlier www.thesaurus.com
• formerly 
• late 
• previously