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.
In equities trading, GameStop surged more than 5% before the market opened after the video game retailer provided a preliminary second-quarter earnings outlook above its year-ago results. — ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026 Fiscal first-quarter earnings came in at 43 cents per share on an adjusted basis, down 9% from the year-ago period. — Davis Giangiulio,fred Imbert, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026 Peacock had 48 million subscribers during the recent second quarter, up from 46 million customers in the previous first quarter and 41 million subscribers in the year-ago second-quarter period. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026 The studio division faced tough comparisons with the year-ago period, which featured hits like A Minecraft Movie, Sinners, and Final Destination Bloodlines. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 6 Aug. 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 4 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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