langsyne

or lang syne

[ lang-zahyn, -sahyn ]

adverb

long since; long ago.

noun

time long past.

Origin of langsyne

First recorded in 1490–1500; lang + syne

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use langsyne in a sentence

Auld lang syne” is Scottish-Gaelic for “old long since,” or, more idiomatically, “days gone by” or “time long past.
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Take this verse by famous Scottish poet Robert Burns in his famous Scottish poem “Auld Lang Syne.”
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When she stands by the bedside of a dying Victor McLaglen and sings “Auld Lang Syne,” it is an occasion for real tears.
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New Years means Champagne, “Auld Lang Syne,” and good college football.
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But it was a time for everybody to join hands as we did on formerly Air Force One and sing "Auld Lang Syne."
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I'm thinking—I'll just come—and cuik till ye a wee—for auld lang syne—thretty schelln the day—an' ye'll buy the flesh o' me.
It Is Never Too Late to Mend | Charles Reade
Mickle thocht we o' the gentles ayont the sea, an' sair grat we for a' frien's we kent lang syne in oor ain countree.
Penelope's Experiences in Scotland | Kate Douglas Wiggin
As the ship began to move a band on the shade-deck struck up "Auld Lang Syne," and immediately the floodgates were unlocked.
The Relief of Mafeking | Filson Young
Then Auld Lang Syne was sung, and the men of various units played to their billets by their pipers.
The History of the 51st (Highland) Division 1914-1918 | Frederick William Bewsher
Old affections sprang up anew between my friend and myself as we talked of auld lang syne.
Recollections of a Long Life | John Stoughton

British Dictionary definitions for langsyne

langsyne

/ (ˌlæŋˈsəɪn, -ˈsaɪn) Scot /

adverb

long ago; long since

noun

times long past, esp those fondly remembered: See also auld lang syne

Origin of langsyne

C16: Scottish: long since

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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