Basic+ Word of the Day: since

since (adverb, preposition)

"We've been best friends since we were 5 years old."

Since means ‘from a past time to the present time.’

• It has been raining since noon.
• Since they were married, Bob and Lois have traveled to many countries.

Since also means ‘in the period following the time when.’

• Since Jeanne's son moved to New York, he has only called her one time.

Since can also mean ‘continuously from a specific time.’

• Fred has been busy every morning since he retired.

Since can also mean ‘because.’

• Since you're going to the grocery store, would you buy me some cookies?

Common uses

ever since: from then until now. Example: “Ever since Emma started swimming every morning, she has felt stronger.”

In pop culture

In this video, Kelly Clarkson sings, “Since U Been Gone,” (since you’ve been gone). It’s about how happy she is since the time that her boyfriend left. Listen to the chorus: “Since you been gone, I can breathe for the first time…”

There are other meanings of since.