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.
Jean Orlowski, formerly working on Wall Street, now owns Hala Tree Coffee (Big Island) & Hala Tree Cafe (Oahu). Jean Orlowski, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025 Based in the fabric’s birthplace of Chennai (formerly Madras), India, the Original Madras Trading Company has supplied its trademark textile to major U.S. brands for generations. Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 28 July 2025 The kitchen is led by executive chef Brian Young, formerly chef du cuisine at Le Bernadin. Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 28 July 2025 All three have been MIA for most of the season, with Sophia Wilson (formerly Smith) and Mal Swanson both starting families, and Trinity Rodman forced to miss a run of games due to a lingering back injury. Meg Linehan, New York Times, 28 July 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 6 Aug. 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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