since
Americanadverb
-
from then till now (often preceded byever ).
He was elected in 1978 and has been president ever since.
-
between a particular past time and the present; subsequently.
She at first refused, but has since consented.
-
before now; ago.
long since.
preposition
-
continuously from or counting from.
It has been warm since noon.
-
between a past time or event and the present.
There have been many changes since the war.
conjunction
-
in the period following the time when.
He has written once since he left.
-
continuously from or counting from the time when.
He has been busy since he came.
-
because; inasmuch as.
Since you're already here, you might as well stay.
preposition
conjunction
-
(sometimes preceded by ever) continuously from or starting from the time when
since we last met, important things have happened
-
seeing that; because
since you have no money, you can't come
adverb
Usage
See as 1.
Etymology
Origin of since
First recorded in 1400–50; Late Middle English (adverb) syns, sinnes “thereupon, afterwards,” Middle English (adverb and conjunction) sithenes “afterwards, from (the specified time), because,” equivalent to sithen “after that, since” ( Old English siththan, originally sīth thām “after that”) + -es; see origin at sith, -s 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Since succeeding Bob Iger in March, D’Amaro has pushed the company to use technology to move faster and reach customers online.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026
Since Niccol’s appointment, Starbucks’s recent initiatives have included a $500 million investment in revamping its coffeehouses, something the company said is already paying off.
From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026
Since the war, the Strait of Hormuz, a busy waterway through which much of the world's oil is transported, has been largely impassable after blockades imposed by both Iran and the US.
From BBC • May 6, 2026
Since last month, protesters have demanded the unfreezing of their accounts with the Huione platform H-Pay, previously Huione Pay, which they said have been inaccessible since December.
From Barron's • May 6, 2026
“Say, you certainly got folks worked up about Wonders! I haven’t seen so much excitement around here for years. Since that carnival came, I think.”
From "The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs" by Betty G. Birney
![]()
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.