ago

adjective or adverb

ə-ˈgō How to pronounce ago (audio)
Synonyms of agonext
: earlier than the present time
10 years ago

Synonyms of ago

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Examples of ago in a Sentence

he left here long ago
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Excluding Dickies, revenue for the quarter was up 1 percent, better than VF’s guidance of flat from year-ago levels. — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2026 Here, that’s Argan’s daughter Angelique (Ava Lalezarzadeh) — a cupcake in human form in Karen Perry’s flounce-tastic costumes — and her met-him-six-days-ago Prince Valiant, Cleante (Daniel Croix Henderson). — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026 As Comcast, led by Brian Roberts and Michael Cavanagh, reported its third-quarter financials, Peacock posted a pre-tax profit of $261 million, which followed a $189 million profit in the most recent second quarter and a $217 million year-ago loss. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026 For the third quarter, Comcast's revenue was 6% lower than the year-ago period. — Catriona Marangi, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ago

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ago, agon, from past participle of agon "to go away, pass by, pass away, come to an end," going back to Old English āgān "to go away, depart, (of time) pass," from ā-, perfective prefix + gān "to go entry 1" — more at abide

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ago was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing ago

Rhymes for ago

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Browse Nearby Words

Agnus Dei
ago
agog
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Cite this Entry

“Ago.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ago. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ago

adjective or adverb
ə-ˈgō How to pronounce ago (audio)
: earlier than the present time
many years ago
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