The meaning of FORMER is coming before in time. How to use former in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Former.

Understanding the Context

FORMER definition: 1. of or in an earlier time; before the present time or in the past: 2. the first of two people…. Learn more.

Key Insights

FORMER definition: preceding in time; prior or earlier. See examples of former used in a sentence. You use former in front of a noun to indicate that the person you are talking about is no longer the thing referred to by the noun. For example, the former chairman of a company used to be the chairman, but is not the chairman now. being the first of two: Our former manufacturing process was too costly.

Final Thoughts

being the first mentioned of two (distinguished from latter): The former suggestion was preferred to the latter. Noun former (plural formers) Someone who forms something; a maker; a creator or founder. Definition of former adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. The word 'former' originated from Middle English, from Old English 'forma', meaning 'first, foremost'. It has been used in the English language for centuries to refer to something or someone that existed or held a position in the past.