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
Approximate costs for major improvement projects completed in the past include: street reconstruction project, $28 million; new water treatment plant, $15 million; Chaska Town Course, Chaska Community Center, Fireman’s and Veterans Parks, $43 million.
—
Jay Rohe, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
During a press conference after the announcement, Cooper Manning explained how great the hospital is because his son, Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning, needed some treatment in the past.
—Scott Thompson, Fox News, 7 Feb. 2025
That's usually when their reports – which are meant to provide a comprehensive financial review of the past year and update investors on the current business environment – are filed.
—Maria Aspan, NPR, 7 Feb. 2025
Shares of Amazon have soared 40% in the past 12 months.
—Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 7 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for the past 
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Jay Rohe, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
During a press conference after the announcement, Cooper Manning explained how great the hospital is because his son, Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning, needed some treatment in the past.
—Scott Thompson, Fox News, 7 Feb. 2025
That's usually when their reports – which are meant to provide a comprehensive financial review of the past year and update investors on the current business environment – are filed.
—Maria Aspan, NPR, 7 Feb. 2025
Shares of Amazon have soared 40% in the past 12 months.
—Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 7 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for the past
Dictionary Entries Near the past
Cite this Entry
“The past.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20past. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
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