erstwhile

1 of 2

adverb

erst·​while ˈərst-ˌ(h)wī(-ə)l 

: in the past : formerly

cultures, erstwhile unknown to each other

—Robert Plank

erstwhile

2 of 2

adjective

: former, previous

erstwhile enemies

Did you know?

The adverb erstwhile has been part of English since at least the 16th century, but it is formed from two words that are much older. It comes from the Old English words aer, meaning "early," and hwil, which has the same meaning as the modern word while. (The English word ere, meaning "before," is also a descendant of aer.) These days erstwhile is more likely to be encountered as an adjective, as in "erstwhile enemies." That adjective use is a much more recent development, having joined the language about three centuries after the adverb.

Synonyms

Adverb

• formerly
• once
• onetime

Adjective

• former
• late
• old
• once
• onetime
• other
• past
• quondam
• sometime
• whilom

Examples of erstwhile in a Sentence

Adverb

there's now a store where erstwhile lay green and pleasant pastures

Adjective

my erstwhile friend ignored me when I ran into her at the reunion

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

Candidates for the fifth spot include former postseason hero Ian Anderson, erstwhile All-Star Bryce Elder, and rookies AJ Smith-Shawver and Hurston Waldrep. After winning a surprise world championship in 2021, the Braves had two 100-win seasons without reaching the final round again. —Dan Schlossberg, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

In South Africa’s middle class suburban areas, including Randburg, where there’s more visible policing, lockdown measures are being tightly enforced, leaving several erstwhile busy stalls and shopping areas empty. —Quartz Africa, 4 Apr. 2020

Adjective

And, of course, elaborate wigs, erstwhile societal norms, and sumptuous settings. —Radhika Seth, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2025

The tariffs also sow disarray among erstwhile allies — partners who, like the U.S. under former President Joe Biden, have looked to weaken Russia's leadership and economy with punitive measures designed to stymy Moscow's economic and geopolitical power. —Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 3 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

1569, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1849, in the meaning defined above

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

Kids Definition

erstwhile

1 of 2 adverb

erst·​while ˈərst-ˌ(h)wīl 

: in the past : once, formerly

erstwhile

2 of 2 adjective

: former sense 3, previous