before long

adverb

: in the near future : soon

Examples of before long in a Sentence

the painters ought to be done before long
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.
And before long, fostering became a team effort between herself and Simon. Jordan Greene, People.com, 21 May 2025 The steadiness, as is almost always the case, paid off before long. Sam Amick, New York Times, 21 May 2025 Part of what will have fans further howling to see him here before long. Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 25 Apr. 2025 But before long, Combs faced a torrent of similar lawsuits as well as an indictment that landed him in jail without bail since September 2024. Elizabeth Rosner, People.com, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for before long

Word History

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of before long was in 1585

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Cite this Entry

“Before long.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/before%20long. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

before long

adverb
: in the near future : soon

More from Merriam-Webster on before long

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