was

American  

[wuhz, woz, wuhz] / wʌz, wɒz, wəz /

verb

1. first and third person singular past indicative of be.

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was British  

/ wɒz, wəz /

verb

1. the past tense (indicative mood) of be 1

2. not_standard a form of the subjunctive mood used in place of were, esp in conditional sentences

   if the film was to be with you, would you be able to process it?

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Etymology

Origin of was

First recorded before 950; Middle English; Old English wæs, past tense singular of wesan “to be”; cognate with Old Frisian, Old High German, Gothic was, Old Norse var; cf. wassail

Example Sentences

Bondi’s agreement to provide a transcribed interview was announced the same day.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

But that art, Serrano says, was created by Monroe, with equal parts natural magnetism and a canny, rigorous sense of her own strengths.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

“Her persona was carefully constructed. She knew how to give just enough, to create the illusion of something.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

That premium support, which was funded out of a $190-million state reserve fund, averaged about $45 per month, Covered California said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

In another she was surrounded by her aunties.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith