Ago/əˈɡəʊ/ Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Relative to Present Used when referencing time relative to the present, pointing backwards to a specific time. He left the country a year ago. Pro Tip 2/3Past Events Typically refers to past events, cannot be used for future or ongoing events. She graduated four years ago. Pro Tip 3/3Specific Timeframe Always specify the time period when using 'ago', like minutes, days, or years. The message arrived five minutes ago.