bygone

adjective

by·​gone ˈbī-ˌgȯn How to pronounce bygone (audio)
also -ˌgän
Synonyms of bygone
: gone by : past
bygone days
especially : outmoded
bygone styles
bygone noun

Synonyms of bygone

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Examples of bygone in a Sentence

the bygone days of our ancestors The stone wall is from a bygone age.
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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 dark and moody space is covered with photos, posters, and paintings that pay homage to a bygone era. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026 Such complaints are more than an unfounded nostalgia for a bygone age. — Austin Sarat, The Conversation, 23 July 2026 Relics of a bygone age of feudalism, folklore and fairytales. — Donna Hardie-Scott, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026 In his new book, Fast + Louche, the New York Times best-selling author and Vanity Fair special correspondent turns his former Interview magazine column into a gritty yet glamorous glimpse into a bygone era of celebrity. — Derek C. Blasberg, Vanity Fair, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for bygone

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bygone was in the 15th century

Rhymes for bygone

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Browse Nearby Words

bygoing
bygone
by gum
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Cite this Entry

“Bygone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bygone. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bygone

adjective
by·​gone ˈbī-ˌgȯn How to pronounce bygone (audio)
also -ˌgän
: gone by : past
a bygone era
bygone noun

More from Merriam-Webster on bygone

Nglish: Translation of bygone for Spanish Speakers

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