ago

adjective or adverb

: earlier than the present time
10 years ago

Examples of ago in a Sentence

he left here long ago
Recent Examples on the Web Sales rose from the year-ago quarter to $1.69 billion. Dean Seal, WSJ, 6 Apr. 2023 His memory of these long-ago events might be radically different from yours. Amy Dickinson, Detroit Free Press, 5 Jan. 2023 See all Example Sentences for ago 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ago.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ago, agon, from past participle of agon "to go away, pass by, pass away, come to an end," going back to Old English āgān "to go away, depart, (of time) pass," from ā-, perfective prefix + gān "to go entry 1" — more at abide

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ago was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near ago

Cite this Entry

“Ago.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ago. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

ago

adjective or adverb
: earlier than the present time
many years ago

More from Merriam-Webster on ago

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