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once

Pronunciation: /wʌn(t)s/

The English word “once” has 6 meanings listed here.

adverb

  1. One and only one time.
  2. Formerly; during some period in the past.
  3. At any time; ever.
  4. One day, someday.
  5. Multiplied by one: indicating that a number is multiplied by one.

conjunction

  1. As soon as; when; after.

Etymology

From Middle English ones, from Old English ānes, a remodelling (after ān (“one”)) of ǣnes, itself an extension of ǣne (“once”) with the genitive suffix -es. Equivalent to one + -s. Cognate with Saterland Frisian enst, insen (“once”), West Frisian iens (“once”), Dutch eens (“once”), German Low German eens, ins (“once”), German einst (“once”). More at one (including regarding the development of the…

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