syne

[ sahyn ]

adverb, preposition, conjunctionScot. and North England.

since.

Origin of syne

1300–50; Middle English (north) seine, syn, contraction of sethen since; see sith

Words Nearby syne

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

How to use syne in a sentence

Auld lang syne” is Scottish-Gaelic for “old long since,” or, more idiomatically, “days gone by” or “time long past.
The Most Confusing Christmas Music Lyrics Explained (VIDEO) | Kevin Fallon | December 24, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Take this verse by famous Scottish poet Robert Burns in his famous Scottish poem “Auld Lang syne.”
Up to a Point: A Free Scotland Would Be a Hilarious Disaster | P. J. O’Rourke | September 13, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
When she stands by the bedside of a dying Victor McLaglen and sings “Auld Lang syne,” it is an occasion for real tears.
Shirley Temple Survived Being the Biggest Child Star of All Time With Wit and Grace | Malcolm Jones | February 11, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
New Years means Champagne, “Auld Lang syne,” and good college football.
The 2014 Dummies’ Guide to College Football Games | Ben Jacobs | January 1, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
But it was a time for everybody to join hands as we did on formerly Air Force One and sing "Auld Lang syne."
The Last Ride | The Daily Beast | January 19, 2009 | THE DAILY BEAST

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
Ay, it micht mak them humble to see hoo foolish they are syne.
A Window in Thrums | J. M. Barrie
"Weel, it's forty-one years syne come Michaelmas," said Jess.
A Window in Thrums | J. M. Barrie

British Dictionary definitions for syne (1 of 2)

syne¹

syn

/ (səɪn) /

adverb, preposition, conjunction

a Scot word for since

Origin of syne

C14: probably related to Old English sīth since

British Dictionary definitions for syne (2 of 2)

syne²

synd

/ (səɪn) Scot /

verb

(tr) to rinse; wash out

noun

a rinse

Origin of syne

C14: of uncertain origin

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

Browse