once

Meanings

1. 1
   adv

   on one occasion

   once I ran into her

2. 2
   adv

   as soon as

   once we are home, we can rest

3. 3
   adv

   One and only one time.

   I have only once eaten pizza.

4. 4
   adv

   Formerly; during some period in the past.

   He was once the most handsome man around.

5. 5
   adv

   At any time; ever.

   If the facts once became known, we'd be in trouble.

6. 6
   adv

   One day, someday.

   The wisdom of God thought fit to acquaint David with that court which we shall once govern.

7. 7
   adv

   Multiplied by one: indicating that a number is multiplied by one.

   Once three is three.

8. 8
   conj

   As soon as; when; after.

   Near-synonym: immediately

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 pronunciation) and -s.