Dictionary
once
Pronunciation: (wuns), [key]—
adv.
1. at one time in the past; formerly:
I was a farmer once; a once powerful nation.
2. a single time:
We ate there just once. We go to a movie once a week.
3. even a single time; at any time; ever:
If the facts once become known, it will be just too bad.
4. by a single step, degree, or grade:
a cousin once removed.
5. once and again, repeatedly:
He has been told once and again not to slam the door.
6. once and for all, decisively; finally:
Let's settle this problem once and for all. Also,once for all.
7. once in a while, at intervals; occasionally:
She stops in to see us once in a while.
8. once or twice, a very few times; infrequently:
I've seen her in the elevator once or twice.
9. once upon a time, at some unspecified past time, esp. a long time ago:
Once upon a time, in a faraway land, there lived a prince and princess.
—
adj.
former; having at one time been:
the once and future king.
—
conj.
1. if or when at any time; if ever.
2. whenever; as soon as:
Once you're finished, you can leave.
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n.
1. a single occasion; one time only:
Once is enough.
2. all at once,
a. simultaneously:
The children were running, screaming, and throwing things all at once.
b. suddenly:
All at once the rain came down.
3. at once,
a. at the same time; simultaneously:
Don't all speak at once.
b. immediately; promptly:
Tell him to come at once! Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
