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Definition of bygone

bygone

/ˈbaɪ.ɡɔːn/
by · gone
Plural:bygones
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bygone Lexical Profile

bygone Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Belonging to an earlier time; past or former.

Example

"The historic village preserves the charm and architecture of a bygone era."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

A thing, event, or offense that happened in the past (almost always used in the plural).

Example

"After years of estrangement, the two brothers decided to let bygones be bygones and reconcile."

Synonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

As a noun, 'bygone' is almost exclusively used in the plural form ('bygones'), especially in the idiom 'let bygones be bygones'.

• Nearby Words

by
bydgoszcz
bye
bygone
bygones
bylaw
byline

Word Origin & Etymology

Originates from late 14th-century Middle English 'bigon', the past participle of the obsolete verb 'bigon' (meaning 'to pass away' or 'elapse'), formed from 'by-' and 'go'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Bygone. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/bygone
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