First Known Use: 12th century
Dictionary
1once
adverb \ˈwən(t)s\
: one time only
: at any one time
: at some time in the past
Full Definition of ONCE
1
: one time and no more <rode a horse only once>
2
: at any one time : under any circumstances : ever <didn't once thank me>
3
: at some indefinite time in the past : formerly <was once a booming mining town>
4
: by one degree of relationship <first cousin once removed>
— once and for all
1
: with finality : definitively
2
: for the last time
— once in a while
See once defined for English-language learners
See once defined for kids
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Origin of ONCE
Middle English ones, from genitive of on one
2once
noun
: one single time
Full Definition of ONCE
: one single time : one time at least <please be on time this once>
— at once
See once defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of ONCE
13th century
3once
adjective
4once
conjunction
: at the moment when : as soon as
Full Definition of ONCE
: at the moment when : as soon as <once she spoke, I recognized her>
See once defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of ONCE
1761
Related to ONCE
- Synonyms
- as soon as, immediately [chiefly British], instantly, when
ONCE Defined for Kids
1once
adverb \ˈwəns\
Definition of ONCE for Kids
1
: one time only <It happened just once.>
2
: at some time in the past : formerly <It was once done that way.>
3
: at any one time : ever <She didn't once thank me.>
— once and for all
: now and for the last time <That should solve the problem once and for all.>
— once in a while
: from time to time <I play golf once in a while.>
2once
noun
Definition of ONCE for Kids
: one single time <We can make an exception just this once.>
— at once
1
: at the same time <I can't understand with both of you talking at once.>
2
: immediately 2 <Leave at once.>
3once
conjunction
Definition of ONCE for Kids
: as soon as : when <Once you've finished your homework, you may go outside.>
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