now

¹ American  

[nou] / naʊ /

adverb

1. at the present time or moment.

   You are now using a dictionary.

2. without further delay; immediately; at once.

   Either do it now or not at all.

3. at this time or juncture in some period under consideration or in some course of proceedings described.

   The case was now ready for the jury.

4. at the time or moment immediately past.

   I saw him just now on the street.

5. in these present times; nowadays.

   Now you rarely see horse-drawn carriages.

6. under the present or existing circumstances; as matters stand.

   I see now what you meant.

7. (used to introduce a statement or question).

   Now, you don't really mean that.

8. (used to strengthen a command, entreaty, or the like).

   Now stop that!

---

conjunction

1. inasmuch as; since.

   Now you're here, why not stay for dinner?

noun

1. the present time or moment.

   Up to now no one has volunteered.

adjective

1. up-to-the-minute; encompassing the latest ideas, fads, or fashions.

   the now look; the now generation.

idioms

1. now and again, occasionally. Also now and then.

2. now that, inasmuch as; since.

   Now that she is rich and famous, she is constantly being besieged by appeals for aid.

NOW ² American  

[nou] / naʊ /

noun

1. National Organization for Women.

---

now British  

/ naʊ /

adverb

1. at or for the present time or moment

2. at this exact moment; immediately

3. in these times; nowadays

4. given the present circumstances

   now we'll have to stay to the end

5. (preceded by just) very recently

   he left just now

6. (often preceded by just) very soon

   he is leaving just now

7. occasionally; on and off

8. for the time being

9. (interjection) an exclamation used to rebuke or pacify someone

10. 1. (sentence connector) used to preface an important remark, the next step in an argument, etc

    2. (interjection) an expression of mild reproof

       now then, don't tease!

---

conjunction

1. seeing that; since it has become the case that

   now you're in charge, things will be better

1. 1. used as a transitional particle or hesitation word

      now, I can't really say

   2. used for emphasis

      now listen to this

   3. used at the end of a command, esp in dismissal

      run along, now

noun

1. the present moment or time

   now is the time to go

adjective

1. informal of the moment; fashionable

   the now look is street fashion

now More Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing now

• any day (now)
• every now and then
• here and now
• just now

---

Other Word Forms

• nowness noun

Etymology

Origin of now

First recorded before 900; 1965–70 now for def. 11; Middle English; Old English nū, cognate with Old Norse, Gothic nū; akin to German nun, Latin num, Sanskrit nu, Greek nú, nûn

Example Sentences

The memory trade had been coming undone in recent weeks, but it now looks to be back on in a big way following the announcement of a two-week cease-fire agreement with Iran.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

That is in part because the world has now seen how easily the Strait of Hormuz can be shut, and that vulnerability could be priced into energy markets and business planning for years to come.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

While the price of oil has fallen on news of the ceasefire, shipping analysts are warning to expect only a trickle of crossings for now.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

According to the draft legislation, an additional 8.5 billion euros will be allocated to boost stockpiles of ammunition between now and 2030, bringing the total to 26 billion euros.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

It’s taken me a long time, but now I get it, in a way I never did before.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

Related Words

• today