the past

noun

: an earlier time : the time before the present

happy memories of the past

In the past, there was a company luncheon every month.

grammar : a verb tense that is used to refer to the past : the past tense

The past of "walk" is "walked."

Examples of the past in a Sentence

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.

Scores of drones have crossed into Romanian airspace over the past two years, with officials attributing many of the incursions to Russia. — Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026 For the past 50 years, a Sacramento-area hobby supply store has sold figurines, model kits, games, books and more. — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2026 Over the past month, college football commissioners have been dissecting what the financial terms would look like once ESPN presented its final offer for the next iteration of the postseason tournament to crown a national champion. — Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026 Over the past few years, Williams has sought to erase Hugo from one of the greatest hip-hip duos of all time. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for the past

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“The past.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20past. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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the past

noun

Examples of the past in a Sentence

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the past

noun

Examples of the past in a Sentence

Rhymes for the past

Browse Nearby Words

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