noun

yesteryear

YEHS-tuh-yeer

noun

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 notes

In 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.

yesteryears plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Can you complete this real example?

The old diner still has the charm of _____.

From "yester-" (previous) plus "year" — literally "last year", broadened over time to mean "the past" in general.

yestertide

past formerly

ear year dear hear tear bear wear near fear pear gear rear

yestertide past formerly