formerly

adverb

for·​mer·​ly ˈfȯr-mər-lē How to pronounce formerly (audio)
ˈfȯr-mə-
1
: at an earlier time : previously
2
obsolete : just before

Examples of formerly in a Sentence

He was formerly a congressman. the newspaper formerly known as “The Newsprint”
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.
The arrangement comes after Something Weird LLC (formerly Something Weird Video) shuttered its download-to-own service and in-house DVD-R manufacturing operations last October. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 May 2025 Hideki Matsuyama also missed the cut, snapping a streak of 19 made in a row when teeing it up in the majors, formerly the longest active streak. Justin Ray, New York Times, 17 May 2025 The general public will be let inside the restaurant — part of the Orchard Park (formerly Linder Village) development — starting at 7 a.m. Even sweeter? Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 16 May 2025 Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was formerly staunchly opposed to negotiations with the U.S., but senior Iranian government officials reportedly launched a coordinated effort to change his mind, framing the decision as critical to the regime’s survival. Sam Meredith,natasha Turak, CNBC, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for formerly

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of formerly was in 1534

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Cite this Entry

“Formerly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formerly. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

formerly

adverb
for·​mer·​ly ˈfȯr-mər-lē How to pronounce formerly (audio)
: at an earlier time : previously

More from Merriam-Webster on formerly

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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