Yesterday

/ˈjɛstərˌdeɪ/

Meaning & Definition

noun
The day before today.
I went to the store yesterday.
A time in the past, often referring to a recent event.
Yesterday's meeting was very productive.
The day before a specified day.
Yesterday was New Year's Eve.
adverb
On the day before today.
I finished my project yesterday.
At a time in the past, often not fixed.
We talked about it yesterday.

Etymology

Middle English: from the phrase 'yester day', meaning 'the day before'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

back in the day
Referring to a time in the past that is nostalgic or significant.
yesterday's news
Information that is no longer relevant or outdated.
yesterday is gone
Indicating that something from the past cannot be changed.

Related Words

tomorrow
The day after today.
today
The current day.
past
A time that has already happened.

Slang Meanings

A reference to something outdated or no longer relevant.
That idea is so yesterday!
Used to express that something is from a previous time and not in style anymore.
Her outfit is totally yesterday.