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.
And I’ve wanted to see Italy since I was 19.
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 6, 2026
Transits of oil and gas tankers through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait initially slowed in July after the Houthis announced the blockade, but have since recovered slightly.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 6, 2026
"Women, since the beginning of time, have birthed and looked after children and I just couldn't be bothered. I thought I was lazy."
From BBC ● Nov. 6, 2026
De Meo, widely considered a turnaround specialist, has accelerated his management overhauls in a bid to revive sales and a share price that has dropped roughly 40 percent since January.
From Barron's ● Nov. 6, 2026
The United States, which has occupied the Philippines since the Spanish-American War in 1898, is one of those enemies.
From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
