auld lang syne

American  

[awld lang zahyn, sahyn] / ˈɔld læŋ ˈzaɪn, ˈsaɪn /

noun

Scot. and North England.

1. old times, especially times fondly remembered.

2. old or long friendship.

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auld lang syne British  

/ ˈɔːld læŋ ˈsəɪn, ˈzaɪn, ˈsaɪn /

noun

1. old times; times past, esp those remembered with affection or nostalgia

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“Auld Lang Syne” Cultural  

1. A traditional Scottish song, customarily sung on New Year's Eve; the title means “Time Long Past.” The words, passed down orally, were recorded by the eighteenth-century poet Robert Burns. The song begins:

   Should auld [old] acquaintance be forgot,

   And never brought to min'?

   Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

   And auld lang syne!

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Etymology

Origin of auld lang syne

First recorded in 1660–80; from Scots: literally, “old long since,” i.e., “old long-ago (days)”

Example Sentences

I would play ‘Auld Lang Syne’ and say, ‘This is a traditional new year song in the West.’

From Salon

And when “Happy New Year” took hold in Vietnam, my family had learned “Auld Lang Syne” in the West.

From Salon

At midnight fireworks will light up the sky above Edinburgh Castle as revellers link arms and sing Robert Burns' Auld Lang Syne.

From BBC

You hear the music of “Auld Lang Syne” on an old-timey organ, while John dons a Scottish accent and spins a tale about beasties while a wind sound effect blows in the background.

From Salon

In one split-second image, Bedford Falls residents sing “Auld Lang Syne,” just after they’ve saved George Bailey from financial ruin and an arrest warrant.

From Los Angeles Times