ONCE Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

View synonyms for

once

[ wuhns ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adverb

at one time in the past; formerly:
I was a farmer once;
a once powerful nation.
a single time: We go to a movie once a week.
We ate there just once.
We go to a movie once a week.
even a single time; at any time; ever:
If the facts once become known, it will be just too bad.
by a single step, degree, or grade:
a cousin once removed.

adjective

former; having at one time been:
the once and future king.

conjunction

if or when at any time; if ever.
whenever; as soon as:
Once you're finished, you can leave.

noun

a single occasion; one time only:
Once is enough.

once

/ ��ʌ�Բ� /

adverb

one time; on one occasion or in one case
at some past time; formerly
I could speak French once
by one step or degree (of relationship)
a cousin once removed
in conditional clauses, negatives, etc ever; at all
if you once forget it
multiplied by one
once and away
1. conclusively
2. occasionally
once and for all
conclusively; for the last time
once in a while
occasionally; now and then
once or twice or once and again
a few times
once upon a time
used to begin fairy tales and children's stories

conjunction

subordinating as soon as; if ever or whenever
once you begin, you'll enjoy it

noun

one occasion or case
you may do it, this once
all at once
1. suddenly or without warning
2. simultaneously
at once
1. immediately
2. simultaneously
for once
this time, if (or but) at no other time

Discover More

�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of once¹

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

Discover More

�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of once¹

C12 ones, ��Ա��, adverbial genitive of on, �� one

Discover More

Idioms and Phrases

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.
at once,
1. at the same time; simultaneously:
  Don't all speak at once.
2. immediately; promptly:
  Tell him to come at once!
once and again, repeatedly:
He has been told once and again not to slam the door.
once and for all, decisively; finally: Also once for all.
Let's settle this problem once and for all.
once in a while, at intervals; occasionally:
She stops in to see us once in a while.
once or twice, a very few times; infrequently:
I've seen her in the elevator once or twice.
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.

More idioms and phrases containing once

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

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

But in recent years, he said, he’s been trying to figure out why his lower body has been tightening up so much that once again his movement is limited.

From

In a brief, unsigned order, it said the plaintiffs did not “refute the Government’s representation that it is unlikely to recover the grant funds once they are disbursed.”

From

In the city of L.A., landlords can increase the rent once every 12 months by the allowable rent increase percentage required by the Rent Stabilization Ordinance.

From

It is difficult to see Kyle Walker returning to City once his loan spell with AC Milan ends.

From

Those former armed forces were once backed by Iran.

From

Related �y��vlogs

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Browse