noun
yesteryear
YEHS-tuh-yeer
Yesteryear (noun) means Times gone by; the past, especially thought of with nostalgia. Example: “The old diner still has the charm of yesteryear.”
noun
1
Times gone by; the past, especially thought of with nostalgia.
"The old diner still has the charm of yesteryear."
How to use yesteryear
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA slightly poetic word for "the old days" or "the past".
When to use it
Literary or nostalgic in tone — not used in everyday casual speech.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like yesteryear.
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
- yesteryears
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The old diner still has the charm of _____.
Etymology
From "yester-" (previous) plus "year" — literally "last year", broadened over time to mean "the past" in general.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for yesteryear
See all rhymes for yesteryear →Frequently asked questions
What does “yesteryear” mean?
The word “yesteryear” means times gone by; the past, especially thought of with nostalgia. In plain terms, a slightly poetic word for "the old days" or "the past".
How do you pronounce “yesteryear”?
“Yesteryear” is pronounced YEHS-tuh-yeer (/ˈjɛstərjɪər/ in IPA).
How do you use “yesteryear” in a sentence?
Here is “yesteryear” used in a sentence: “The old diner still has the charm of yesteryear.”
What is another word for “yesteryear”?
Words with a similar meaning to “yesteryear” include yestertide.
What part of speech is “yesteryear”?
“Yesteryear” is a noun.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include yesteryear:
