long-ago

1 of 2

adjective

ˈlȯŋ-ə-ˈgō How to pronounce long-ago (audio)
Synonyms of long-agonext
: of or relating to the past
long-ago leaders

long ago

2 of 2

noun

: the distant past

Examples of long-ago in a Sentence

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.
Adjective
But age and a long-ago lightning strike have taken a toll, and now a delicate effort is underway to ensure its continued survival. — Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026 Asali Solomon, Days of Afrekete Asali Solomon’s novel spends much of its narrative looking back to the protagonist Liselle’s long-ago relationship with her ex-girlfriend. — Anne E. Fernald, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
So there’s a lot of insecurity that comes with bringing back a song from that long ago. — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 23 Aug. 2026 Even as long ago as the 1950s, people were saying that UFOs for some reason are not photogenic. — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for long-ago

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1603, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of long-ago was in 1603

Rhymes for long-ago

See All Rhymes for long-ago

Browse Nearby Words

longaeval
long-ago
long ago
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Long-ago.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/long-ago. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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