once

Definition

One and only one time.

Etymology

From Middle English ones, from Old English ānes, a remodelling (after ān (“one”)) of ǣnes, itself an extension of ǣne (“once”) with the genitive suffix -es. Compare Old Saxon ēnes (“once”), Old High German eines, einēst (“once”), modern German einst (“once”). More at one (including regarding the development of the pronunciation) and -s.

Example Sentences

• "I have only once eaten pizza."
• "He was once the most handsome man around."
• "I once had a motorbicycle."