The meaning of FORMER is coming before in time. How to use former in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Former.

FORMER definition: 1. of or in an earlier time; before the present time or in the past: 2. the first of two people…. Learn more.

You use former in front of a noun to indicate that the person you are talking about is no longer the thing referred to by the noun. For example, the former chairman of a company used to be the chairman, …

being the first of two: Our former manufacturing process was too costly. being the first mentioned of two (distinguished from latter): The former suggestion was preferred to the latter.

Definition of former adjective in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Dec 14, 2025 · Noun former (plural formers) Someone who forms something; a maker; a creator or founder.

The word 'former' originated from Middle English, from Old English 'forma', meaning 'first, foremost'. It has been used in the English language for centuries to refer to something or someone that existed or …

FORMER definition: preceding in time; prior or earlier. See examples of former used in a sentence.

There are 11 meanings listed in OED's entry for the adjective former, five of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Former is an adjective that refers to a person who held or occupied a particular position, status, or role in the past but no longer does. It indicates that someone or something used to be in a specific state or …