bygone

adjective

by·​gone ˈbī-ˌgȯn How to pronounce bygone (audio)
also -ˌgän
Synonyms of bygone
: gone by : past
bygone days
especially : outmoded
bygone styles
bygone noun

Synonyms of bygone

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Examples of bygone in a Sentence

the bygone days of our ancestors The stone wall is from a bygone age.
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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.
Neither will seek to engage in the trap of nostalgia for a bygone era. — Michael Stevens, New York Daily News, 19 June 2026 Best known for Colonial Williamsburg, this charming city invites travelers to slow down and step into a bygone era. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 2026 In this context, many proslavery Americans saw the song’s protagonist as longing not just for bygone days but for a return to slavery. — Christopher Lynch, The Conversation, 1 July 2026 Reminiscent of a bygone era, these massive ships often serve as floating ambassadors on diplomatic missions. — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for bygone

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bygone was in the 15th century

Rhymes for bygone

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Browse Nearby Words

bygoing
bygone
by gum
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Cite this Entry

“Bygone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bygone. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bygone

adjective
by·​gone ˈbī-ˌgȯn How to pronounce bygone (audio)
also -ˌgän
: gone by : past
a bygone era
bygone noun

More from Merriam-Webster on bygone

Nglish: Translation of bygone for Spanish Speakers

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