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• long-ago
  long-ago

  adjective

  of or relating to the distant past or to remote events; ancient.
• long ago
  long ago

  A time well before the present, the distant past. For example, I read that book long ago, or The battles of long ago were just as fierce. [Second half of 1300s]

long-ago

American  

[lawng-uh-goh, long-] / ˈlɔŋ əˌgoʊ, ˈlɒŋ- /

adjective

1. of or relating to the distant past or to remote events; ancient.

   long-ago exploits remembered only in folk tales.

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long ago Idioms  

1. A time well before the present, the distant past. For example, I read that book long ago, or The battles of long ago were just as fierce. [Second half of 1300s]

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Etymology

Origin of long-ago

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

Like Ted, Greg is also recovering from a long-ago divorce, but what forces him out of his shell is the implosion of his daughter’s.

From Salon • May 11, 2026

Unlike the long-ago transition to the cloud, which undid many existing software firms, incumbents aren’t being complacent this time around.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

These five writers spoke with The Wall Street Journal about their personal GOATs of early American literature, and why their long-ago works still resonate with them.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 5, 2026

Coming to terms with long-ago mistakes and regrets requires humility and sincerity.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 2, 2025

Colin faded away slowly, like Ophie’s daddy had on that long-ago morning, and before she knew it she was crying, releasing the tears she’d held back for what felt like years.

From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland

Related Words

• earlier
• early
• late
• old
• preceding
• previous
• prior
• recent