now

adverb9

1. •
   at the present time

   • Now I am six.
   • Stop that now, Jimmy!
2. •
   At the time reached within a narration.

   • Now he remembered why he had come.
   • He now asked her whether she had made pudding.
3. •
   (informal) At the present point of a recurring cycle or event.

   • I always used to do my shopping now, to avoid the rush.
4. •
   Used to introduce a point, a qualification of what has previously been said, a remonstration or a rebuke.

   • Now, we all want what is best for our children.
   • Now, Jimmy, stop that.
5. •
   Used to indicate a context of urgency.

   • Now listen, we must do something about this.
6. •
   Differently from the immediate past; differently from a more remote past or a possible future; differently from all other times.

   • Now I am ready.
   • We all now want the latest toys for our children.
7. •
   Used to address a switching side, or sharp change in attitude from before.

   • Now, you want to protect me. An hour ago, you were mercilessly bullying me!
8. •
   Sometimes; occasionally; used to list a series of often assumed states.

   • His face fit his roles: now smiling, now earnest, now glowering, now raging.
9. •
   (no longer used) Very recently; not long ago; up to the present.

   • They that but now, for honour and for plate, / Made the sea blush with blood, resign their hate. — 1656

noun3

1. •
   The present time.

   • Now is the right time.
   • There is no better time than now.
2. •
   The state of not paying attention to the future or the past.

   • She is living in the now.
3. •
   A particular instant in time, as perceived at that instant.

   • Forever is composed of Nows— / 'T is not a different time, / Except for infiniteness / And latitude of home. — 1887

adjective2

1. •
   Present; current.

   • Defects seem as necessary to our now happiness as their Opposites. — 1885
2. •
   (informal) Fashionable; popular; up to date; current.

   • I think this band's sound is very now.

conjunction1

1. •
   Since, because, in light of the fact.

   • Now all the children have grown up and left, the house is very quiet.
   • Now that my sister has gotten rid of their cat, we can go to her house this coming Thanksgiving.

exclamation1

1. •
   Indicates a signal to begin.

   • Now! Fire all we've got while the enemy is in reach!

noun1

1. •
   (US) Acronym of negotiable order of withdrawal (“an instrument similar to a check”).