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Showing results for erstwhile.
Definitions

erstwhile

[urst-hwahyl, -wahyl] / ˈɜrstˌʰwaɪl, -ˌwaɪl /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Suez moment marked the psychological transformation of two erstwhile great powers into medium powers with limited ability to influence the world around them.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

The erstwhile interim U.S. attorney, then, is in a pickle of his own making.

From Slate • Mar. 11, 2026

By the early aughts, erstwhile edgy rock stars like Courtney Love and Nina Gordon swapped their torn fishnets and rumpled slip dresses for French manicures and blown-out coifs.

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2026

Now one year later, the erstwhile best country music album category no longer exists.

From BBC • Jan. 30, 2026

And across the table from Ser Barristan sat four of King Hizdahr’s erstwhile guardsmen, the pit fighters Goghor the Giant, Belaquo Bonebreaker, Camarron of the Count, and the Spotted Cat.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin




Vocabulary lists containing erstwhile