ONCE • DICTIONARY ONE.COM • Definition of Once

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/wəns/ Listen

adverb

Once adv.

1.

For one time; by limitation to the number one; not twice nor any number of times more than one. "Ye shall... go round about the city once." "Trees that bear mast are fruitful but once in two years."

2.

At some one period of time; used indefinitely. "My soul had once some foolish fondness for thee." "That court which we shall once govern."

3.

At any one time; often nearly equivalent to ever, if ever, or whenever; as, once kindled, it may not be quenched. "Wilt thou not be made clean? When shall it once be?" "To be once in doubt Is once to be resolved." Note: Once is used as a noun when preceded by this or that; as, this once, that once. It is also sometimes used elliptically, like an adjective, for once-existing. "The once province of Britain."

At once.

(a)

At the same point of time; immediately; without delay. "Stand not upon the order of your going, but go at once." "I... withdrew at once and altogether."

(b)

At one and the same time; simultaneously; in one body; as, they all moved at once.

Once and again, once and once more; repeatedly. "A dove sent forth once and again, to spy."

noun

Once n. (Zool.) The ounce.

See images of 'Once'

Etymology of 'Once'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Once" Quotes from Famous Books

... must be completely boiling before anything is put into it; then add the whole of the ingredients at once, with the exception of the rice, the salt, and the pepper. Cover, and let these come to a brisk boil; put in the others, and let the whole boil slowly for an hour, or till all the ingredients are thoroughly done, and their several ...

— The Book of Household Management • Mrs. Isabella Beeton

... monarch had no children, the States Assembly, in order to designate a successor, chose the Prince of Holstein-Augustenburg, who took the title of Prince Royal. But he did not long enjoy this dignity, for he died in 1811 after a short illness, which was put down to poison. The states gathered once more to elect a new heir to the throne. They were hesitating between several German princes who put themselves forward as candidates when Count Moerner, one of the most influential members of the states, and the former ...

— The Memoirs of General the Baron de Marbot, Translated by - Oliver C. Colt • Baron de Marbot

... the Earl should not find Mr. Julian. But he had been summoned to London. Yes, certainly, Mr. Adam was somewhere on the beach. He had gone out after breakfast and was still absent. If my Lord would wait, Mr. Adam should be at once informed." ...

— Patsy • S. R. Crockett

... dear, that I could tell you all the truth. Perhaps you would not be ashamed of having loved the daughter of Lucrezia Ferris. But I cannot tell you all. There are reasons why you had better never know it. But I will tell you this, for I must say it once. I love you very dearly. I loved you long ago, I loved you when I left you in Rome, I have loved you ever since, and I am afraid that I shall love you ...

— Don Orsino • F. Marion Crawford

... beats. A French soldier was seen to come from the Fort and the word was passed to let him go bye us, as he came down the road. We lay perfectly still not daring to breathe, and though he saw nothing he stopped once and seemed undecided as to going on, but suspecting nothing he continued and was captured by our people below, for prisoners were wanted at Headquarters to give information of the French forces and intentions. A man taken in this way was threatened ...

— Crooked Trails • Frederic Remington

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