once upon a time
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“What kept them once upon a time, and still does, was/is sheer breadth, i.e. ‘always having something to watch.’
From MarketWatch • May 28, 2026
It was akin to all those hours I spent online once upon a time, dissecting clues down to their bones.
From Salon • Apr. 12, 2026
The author drops us into an Eden of wonder, where once upon a time we first cracked the codes of Dr. Seuss and “Goodnight Moon.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026
A movie about a famous and, frankly, selfish actor taking stock late in life feels like the kind of exercise in self-reflective narcissism that, once upon a time in Hollywood, Oscar voters adored.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 16, 2025
“In my class you will learn the importance of the story incant and its connections to West African cultures. Where once upon a time is more than just a tale told to you at bedtime.”
From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton
