lang syne

1 of 2

adverb

(ˌ)laŋ-ˈzīn How to pronounce lang syne (audio) -ˈsīn How to pronounce lang syne (audio)
chiefly Scotland
: at a distant time in the past

lang syne

2 of 2

noun

chiefly Scotland
: times past
should auld acquaintance be forgot, and days o' auld lang syne—Robert Burns

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

Middle English (Scots), from lang long + syne since

First Known Use

Adverb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1694, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lang syne was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near lang syne

langspiel

lang syne

Langton

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Cite this Entry

“Lang syne.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lang%20syne. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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