erstwhile

[ urst-hwahyl, -wahyl ]

adjective

1. former; of times past:

   erstwhile friends.

   Synonyms: previous, bygone, past

   Antonyms: present, current

adverb

1. Archaic. formerly; erst.

erstwhile

/ ˈɜːstˌwaɪl /

adjective

1. former; one-time

   my erstwhile companions

adverb

1. archaic.
   long ago; formerly

Word History and Origins

Origin of erstwhile¹

First recorded in 1560–70; erst + while

Example Sentences

Enter Daniel Craig, 56, our erstwhile James Bond on a bold new assignment.

From New York Times

There were a handful of others, but all followed the same pattern of being erstwhile intelligent, well-read people, successful in their professional spheres, who went down the rabbit hole.

From Salon

But, she says, her endorsement of her erstwhile rival is wholehearted and sincere.

From Los Angeles Times

“This was the original art district,” Cary notes, referencing the erstwhile concentration of art schools in the area.

From Los Angeles Times

The erstwhile Dodgers ace is 1-3 with a 4.32 ERA in five choppy starts, with 24 strikeouts and seven walks in 25 innings.

From Los Angeles Times