the past

noun

1
: an earlier time : the time before the present
happy memories of the past
In the past, there was a company luncheon every month.
2
grammar : a verb tense that is used to refer to the past : the past tense
The past of "walk" is "walked."

Examples of the past in a Sentence

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 warning was issued at 8 a.m. on Saturday, and the most recent report regarding this incident was released on Saturday at 8:16 a.m. Past Incidents in the last 12 hours: There were no traffic incidents reported in this area for the past 12 hours. Kansas City Star Bot, Kansas City Star, 15 Mar. 2025 In the past year, some state workers with disabilities who have requested telework accommodations have resigned due to delays and denials in that process. William Melhado, Sacramento Bee, 15 Mar. 2025 Luminate reports that in the past tracking frame, Happier Than Ever sold just under 2,600 copies. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025 Photo : Holmes Cay Holmes Cay Infinity This independent bottler has released some truly fantastic single-cask expressions and blends over the past few years. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 15 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for the past

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“The past.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20past. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!