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Definition of bygones

bygones

/ˈbaɪ.ɡɔːnz/
by · gones
Plural:bygones
•
Adjective:bygone
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bygones Lexical Profile

bygones Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Past events, offenses, or disagreements that have already happened and cannot be changed, especially when considered best forgotten.

Example

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

Synonyms
View all synonyms for bygones

Word Nuance & Usage

As a noun, 'bygones' is almost exclusively used in the plural, most notably in the idiomatic expression 'let bygones be bygones' (meaning to forgive and forget past offenses).

• Nearby Words

bydgoszcz
bye
bygone
bygones
bylaw
byline
bypass

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in late Middle English as the plural noun use of the adjective 'bygone', from 'by' (past) and 'gone' (past participle of 'go'), originally popularized in Scottish proverbs.

Cite this Entry

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