bygone

[ bahy-gawn, -gon ]

adjective

1. past; gone by; earlier; former:

   The faded photograph brought memories of bygone days.

noun

1. Usually bygones. that which is past:

   Let's not talk of bygones.

bygone

/ ˈbaɪˌɡɒn /

adjective

1. usually prenominal past; former

noun

1. often plural a past occurrence
2. often plural an artefact, implement, etc, of former domestic or industrial use, now often collected for interest
3. let bygones be bygones
   to agree to forget past quarrels

Word History and Origins

Origin of bygone¹

1375–1425; late Middle English (north) by-gane; gone, by

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. let bygones be bygones, to decide to forget past disagreements; become reconciled:

   Let's let bygones be bygones and be friends again.

Example Sentences

The frozen carcass provides a remarkable snapshot of a bygone apex predator.

From Science Magazine

Despite a series of renovations several years ago, the park still had a bygone, musty air.

From Los Angeles Times

Distant memories of a bygone era were etched over a County Tyrone man's face as a well-known dance hall was reduced to rubble.

From BBC

Before each performance, the scene is set by a narrator who speaks in a prim, puritanical accent reminiscent of a bygone era.

From Los Angeles Times

Now, Alejandro is heading out on tour next month to introduce a new generation to a genre of music that harkens to Mexican love songs from a bygone era.

From Los Angeles Times