once
adverbconjunctionnountop 1 000 in film dialogue
- United Kingdom//wʌn(t)s//
- United Kingdom//wɒn(t)s//
- United States//wʌn(t)s//
- //wʌn(t)s//
One and only one time.
adverb
- 1
One and only one time.
I have only once eaten pizza.
- 2
Formerly; during some period in the past.
He was once the most handsome man around.
I once had a motorbicycle.
Once I didn't drive a big car, but now I own an all-terrain 4WD.
Wang notes that flowers have rooted and grow in the area once covered with ice.
- 3
obsoleteAt any time; ever.
If the facts once became known, we'd be in trouble.
Once bring in the police and what is inevitably bound to follow? There will be calls and interrogations and cross-questionings […]
- 4
obsoleteOne day, someday.
The wisdom of God thought fit to acquaint David with that court which we shall once govern.
- 5
Multiplied by one: indicating that a number is multiplied by one.
Once three is three.
Etymology
From Middle English ones, from Old English ānes, a remodelling (after ān (“one”)) of ǣnes, itself an extension of ǣne (“once”) with the genitive suffix -es. Equivalent to one + -s. Cognate with Saterland Frisian enst, insen (“once”), West Frisian iens (“once”), Dutch eens (“once”), German Low German eens, ins (“once”), German einst (“once”). More at one (including regarding the development of the pronunciation) and -s.
conjunction
- 1
As soon as; when; after.
Near-synonym: immediately
We'll get a move on once we find the damn car keys!
Once you have obtained the elven bow, return to the troll bridge and trade it for the sleeping potion.
Once he is married, he will be able to claim the inheritance.
noun
- 1
Variant of ounceobsoleteObsolete form of ounce.
Forms
- plural
- onces