now meaning and definition

NOW noun

Definition of now (noun)

1. the momentary present
   • "Now is a good time to do it"; "it worked up to right now"

NOW adverb

Definition of now (adverb)

1. in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
   • "President Kennedy now calls in the National Guard"; "Washington now decides to cross the Delaware"; "the ship is now listing to port"
2. in these times
   • "it is solely by their language that the upper classes nowadays are distinguished"- Nancy Mitford; "we now rarely see horse-drawn vehicles on city streets"; "today almost every home has television"
   • synonyms: nowadays, today
3. used to preface a command or reproof or request
   • "now hear this!"; "now pay attention"
4. at the present moment
   • "goods now on sale"; "the now-aging dictator"; "they are now abroad"; "he is busy at present writing a new novel"; "it could happen any time now"
   • synonyms: at present
5. without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
   • "he answered immediately"; "found an answer straightaway"; "an official accused of dishonesty should be suspended forthwith"; "Come here now!"
   • synonyms: at once, directly, forthwith, immediately, instantly, like a shot, right away, straight off, straightaway
6. (prefatory or transitional) indicates a change of subject or activity
   • "Now the next problem is..."
7. in the immediate past
   • "told me just now"