Entry 4 senses · 2 variants Webster, 1913 Once /(ŏns)/ · IPA /wʌn(t)s/ n. adv. 01 n. The ounce. 1. The ounce.(Zool.) 02 adv. For one time; by limitation to the number one; not twice nor any number of times more than one. 1. For one time; by limitation to the number one; not twice nor any number of times more than one. “Ye shall . . . go round about the city once.” — Josh. vi. 3. “Trees that bear mast are fruitful but once in two years.” — Bacon. 2. At some one period of time; -- used indefinitely. “My soul had once some foolish fondness for thee.” — Addison. “That court which we shall once govern.” — Bp. Hall. 3. At any one time; -- often nearly equivalent to ever, if ever, or whenever; as, once kindled, it may not be quenched. “Wilt thou not be made clean? When shall it once be?” — Jer. xiii. 27. “To be once in doubt Is once to be resolved.” — Shak. Phrases & compounds At once — At the same point of time; immediately; without delay. Once and again — once and once more; repeatedly.