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; 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.
The International Transport Workers’ Federation, a labor union based in London that represents a million seafarers, has received about 1,000 inquiries since the start of the conflict from crew near the strait, asking for support.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026
Captain Martin Odegaard made his first start since January and Kai Havertz was withdrawn while Arsenal were chasing a winner.
From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026
She says that the tribe has received a little over $6 million for the McCloud projects since 2023, with the grant set to end this year.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026
They only lead on goal difference and will cede top spot if Hearts, who had led since September, avoid defeat at bottom side Livingston on Sunday.
From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026
They were supposed to speak Michif exclusively, but since Simon was good at the language, their program instructors let it slide.
From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith
![]()
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.