adv
once
wuhns
adv
1
On one occasion only; a single time.
"I've only been to Paris once."
"Read the instructions once before you start."
2
At some time in the past; formerly.
"This building was once a cinema."
conj
1
As soon as; after.
"Once you finish your homework, you can go outside."
How to Use Once
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOne single time, or formerly, or "as soon as."
Common pairings
once upon a time
once and for all
once a week
Word Forms
Onces plural
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I've only been to Paris _____.
Etymology
From Old English aenes, an extension of aene ("one time") with a genitive -s ending, related to "one."