always

adverb

al·​ways ˈȯl-wēz How to pronounce always (audio)
-wəz,
-(ˌ)wāz How to pronounce always (audio)
 also  ˈȯ-
1
: at all times : invariably
always smiling
2
: forever
will love you always
3
: at any rate : in any event
You can always try again if it doesn't work this time.

Examples of always in a Sentence

He always tries, but he doesn't always succeed. It's always a pleasure to see you. I can always tell when he's upset. This area is always filled with tourists. Things won't always go as planned. You're always welcome to stay with us. He has always been a good friend to me. Life won't always be this easy. I always thought they'd get married some day, but they never did. Isn't that what you've always wanted?
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While the Hobbs deal seems pricey, the devil is always in the details. Rob Reischel, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025 Peter Wolf, has always been one of the great rock & roll raconteurs, ever since his days as the loudmouth singer of the J. Geils Band. Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 11 Mar. 2025 Will Smith can always count on his family to have his back — quite literally! Angel Saunders, People.com, 11 Mar. 2025 These symptoms aren’t always a reaction to Parkinson’s but could be the result of changes in brain chemistry.12 As the disease progresses, many people with Parkinson’s experience dizziness or vertigo. Kristen Fischer, Health, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for always

Word History

Etymology

Middle English alwayes, from alwey

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of always was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Always.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/always. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

always

adverb
al·​ways ˈȯl-wēz How to pronounce always (audio) -wəz How to pronounce always (audio)
-ˌwāz
1
: at all times : invariably
always ready for a party
2
: throughout all time : forever
I'll remember you always

More from Merriam-Webster on always

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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