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 transfer portal was on full display today for the Bruins as forward Timea Gardiner (formerly Oregon State) contributed 15 points, all beyond the arc, and of course, Betts (formerly Stanford) had 17 points in the paint, shooting 50%, going 7-for-14, seven rebounds, and six blocks. Allison Smith, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 The first Trump administration’s tariffs grounded formerly soaring productivity and output in the American manufacturing sector. David B. McGarry, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2025 Nic Nemeth, formerly Dolph Ziggler, recently provided a candid reflection on his experience working with Goldberg during a 2019 SummerSlam match. Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2025 Linwood House, which formerly housed VU presidents and their families, is becoming Indiana Landmarks’ new Northwest field office. Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 29 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 13 Apr. 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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