now

¹

[nou]

adverb

1. at the present time or moment.

   You are now using a dictionary.

2. without further delay; immediately; at once.

   Either do it now or not at all.

3. at this time or juncture in some period under consideration or in some course of proceedings described.

   The case was now ready for the jury.

4. at the time or moment immediately past.

   I saw him just now on the street.

5. in these present times; nowadays.

   Now you rarely see horse-drawn carriages.

6. under the present or existing circumstances; as matters stand.

   I see now what you meant.

7. (used to introduce a statement or question).

   Now, you don't really mean that.

8. (used to strengthen a command, entreaty, or the like).

   Now stop that!

conjunction

1. inasmuch as; since.

   Now you're here, why not stay for dinner?

noun

1. the present time or moment.

   Up to now no one has volunteered.

adjective

1. up-to-the-minute; encompassing the latest ideas, fads, or fashions.

   the now look; the now generation.

NOW

²

[nou]

noun

1. National Organization for Women.

now

/ naʊ /

adverb

1. at or for the present time or moment

2. at this exact moment; immediately

3. in these times; nowadays

4. given the present circumstances

   now we'll have to stay to the end

5. (preceded by just) very recently

   he left just now

6. (often preceded by just) very soon

   he is leaving just now

7. occasionally; on and off

8. for the time being

9. (interjection) an exclamation used to rebuke or pacify someone

10. 1. (sentence connector) used to preface an important remark, the next step in an argument, etc

    2. (interjection) an expression of mild reproof

       now then, don't tease!

conjunction

1. seeing that; since it has become the case that

   now you're in charge, things will be better

1. 1. used as a transitional particle or hesitation word

      now, I can't really say

   2. used for emphasis

      now listen to this

   3. used at the end of a command, esp in dismissal

      run along, now

noun

1. the present moment or time

   now is the time to go

adjective

1. informal,  of the moment; fashionable

   the now look is street fashion

Other Word Forms

• nowness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of now¹

First recorded before 900; 1965–70 now for def. 11; Middle English; Old English nū, cognate with Old Norse, Gothic nū; akin to German nun, Latin num, Sanskrit nu, Greek nú, nûn

Word History and Origins

Origin of now¹

Old English nū; compare Old Saxon nū, German nun, Latin nunc, Greek nu

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. now and again, occasionally. Also now and then.

2. now that, inasmuch as; since.

   Now that she is rich and famous, she is constantly being besieged by appeals for aid.

More idioms and phrases containing now

• any day (now)
• every now and then
• here and now
• just now

Example Sentences

“I feel kind of defensive right now, more so a test of my character, like I’m going to willingly do that,” Trammell said.

From Los Angeles Times

"With the clock ticking towards the World Cup, now is the time for the German to demonstrate the shape, strategy and identity he wants his England team to have."

From BBC

Regulars at Club Underground, a decades-long British indie night now at Grand Star Jazz Club in Chinatown, would naturally get in on the occasion.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s so crazy to have that experience where I’m now that person and there might be a kid somewhere who’s like ‘Oh, my God, I see myself you.’

From Los Angeles Times

If Republican leaders in Washington had hoped that a month-long congressional recess would help the Jeffrey Epstein controversy die down, this week's frenzy of activity has dashed those hopes - at least for now.

From BBC

Related Words

• today