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.
By his side, as ever, was Chris Wilson, formerly of Page Six and now a digital director at Maxim. Ben McGrath, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025 Since its first attempt in 1979, the People’s Republic of China has submitted 39 films to the Best International Feature (formerly Best Foreign Language) Oscar race. Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2025 Another favorite that’s synonymous with Miami dining is Itamae, formerly located in the Design District, which is currently hunting for a new home. Skye Sherman, Travel + Leisure, 29 Sep. 2025 Steve Angel, who takes over as CEO effective immediately, serves on the board of GE Vernova and GE Aerospace, and was formerly CEO of Linde, the $221 billion chemicals and gas giant. Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 29 Sep. 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 1 Oct. 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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