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 Claim Chris Jackson, political strategist who was an early supporter of former President Joe Biden's presidential campaign and appointed to the Democratic National Committee's Platform Committee, posted on X, formerly Twitter, implying that Trump did not actually pardon Blagojevich last month. David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025 The prize was formerly given by U.S. Steel Corporation to the financial journalist whose economic forecasts for the coming year proved most accurate. Steve Forbes, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025 The formerly friendly hound transformed into one of cold calculation that left a trail of bodies in its wake. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2025 In a backstage video shared to X (formerly Twitter) by iHeartRadio, the singer, who skipped the carpet, could be seen wearing a body-hugging mermaid gown with sparkles on the bodice and off-the-shoulder sleeves. Rachel Flynn, People.com, 18 Mar. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Formerly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formerly. Accessed 25 Mar. 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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