today
tuu-DAY
Today (adv) means On the current day. Example: “We need to finish this report today.”
adv
1
On the current day.
"We need to finish this report today."
"I am going to the dentist today after lunch."
"Are you free to meet for coffee today?"
2
In the present era; nowadays.
"Today, most people carry a computer in their pocket."
"Today, you can video call a friend on the other side of the world."
"Children today spend far more time looking at screens than their grandparents did."
noun
1
The current day.
"Today has been a long one."
"Today is my sister's birthday, so we are having a party."
"What is the weather forecast for today?"
How to use today
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRefers to the present day, or more broadly to the current era or time we live in.
Common pairings
today's news
as of today
here today
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like today.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- todays
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
We need to finish this report _____.
Etymology
From Old English tō dæġe, literally "on this day" — a fusion of to and day that became a single word over time.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for today
See all rhymes for today →Frequently asked questions
What does “today” mean?
The word “today” means on the current day. In plain terms, refers to the present day, or more broadly to the current era or time we live in.
How do you pronounce “today”?
“Today” is pronounced tuu-DAY (/təˈdeɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “today” in a sentence?
Here is “today” used in a sentence: “We need to finish this report today.”
What part of speech is “today”?
Depending on how it is used, “today” can be an adverb and a noun.
Where does the word “today” come from?
The word “today” comes from Old English. From Old English tō dæġe, literally "on this day" — a fusion of to and day that became a single word over time.
Is “today” a common word?
“Today” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “today” have?
“Today” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: on the current day.
What is the difference between 'today' and 'now'?
'Today' refers to the whole of the current day, from midnight to midnight, as in 'I'll finish it today.' 'Now' means this exact moment: 'I need it now.' Today is a span lasting a day; now is a single point in time. Something can be true today without happening right now.
Can 'today' be used as a noun?
Yes. Besides working as an adverb, as in 'she arrives today,' 'today' can be a noun meaning the present day itself ('today is Monday') or the present era more broadly ('the youth of today'). As an adverb it tells when; as a noun it names the day or the age.
What is the difference between 'today' and 'tonight'?
'Today' covers the entire current day, though it often implies the daytime hours. 'Tonight' refers specifically to the evening and night of the current day. So 'today' can include tonight within it, but 'tonight' points only to the later, darker hours of the same day.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include today:
