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. once and away
   once and away
   1. conclusively
   2. occasionally
7. once and for all
   once and for all conclusively; for the last time
8. once in a while
   once in a while occasionally; now and then
9. once or twice
   once or twiceonce and again a few times
10. once upon a time
    once upon a time 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. all at once
   all at once
   1. suddenly or without warning
   2. simultaneously
3. at once
   at once
   1. immediately
   2. simultaneously
4. for once
   for once 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. 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.

2. at once,
   1. at the same time; simultaneously:

      Don't all speak at once.

   2. immediately; promptly:

      Tell him to come at once!

3. once and again, repeatedly:

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

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

   Let's settle this problem once and for all.

5. once in a while, at intervals; occasionally:

   She stops in to see us once in a while.

6. once or twice, a very few times; infrequently:

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

7. 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

Example Sentences

Once discovered, this maneuver did not endear the councilors to their constituents.

From The Daily Beast

My doctor insisted that once I filed this piece I lie down on my bed and not get out.

From The Daily Beast

Every once in a while, they act swiftly and acknowledge the problem.

From The Daily Beast

Once I began reading, I realized A Gronking to Remember was a masturbatory tribute to the New England Patriots.

From The Daily Beast

Where the U.S. once depended on its own forces to determine who was military material, this time the Iraqis will decide.

From The Daily Beast

He held it, but it was without pressure; without recognizance of the delight with which he once grasped it.

From Project Gutenberg

When his lordship retired early, as was his custom, the other men adjourned once more to the billiard-room.

From Project Gutenberg

As Spain, however, has fallen from the high place she once held, her colonial system has also gone down.

From Project Gutenberg

Each picture bore a label, giving a true description of the once-honoured gem.

From Project Gutenberg

And once more, she found herself desiring to be like Janet--not only in appearance, but in soft manner and tone.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• already
• before
• earlier
• formerly
• previously