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; wassail

Example Sentences

“The police were sent to the last address where she was dropped off. No one answered and the doors were locked. The police said there’s nothing they can do.”

From Los Angeles Times

Saying the seaside enclave’s “entire character” was changed by the Palisades fire, the city is seeking damages for the loss of property, business and city revenue.

From Los Angeles Times

West Northamptonshire Council said it was "shocked and saddened" by the incident and also encouraged people to come forward with any information.

From BBC

"I want to take full responsibility, it's not the standard I set myself," she said during another appearance a day later, adding that she was "embarrassed".

From BBC

Her comments come as the US moves a second battleship into the region, and one day after progress was reported at US-Iran talks in Switzerland.

From BBC