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

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

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, …

for•mer1 /ˈfɔrmɚ/ adj. [before a noun] preceding in time; prior or earlier: We had met on a former occasion. being the first mentioned of two (distinguished from latter ): The former suggestion was …

Definition of former adjective in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Feb 1, 2026 · Noun former (plural formers) Someone who forms something; a maker; a creator or founder.

Former definition: One that forms; a maker or creator.