B1[before noun]used to refer to a period of time before and until the present: The average temperature worldwide has risen by about one degree Fahrenheit in the past 100 years.I've been walking three miles a day for the past 30 years.He was the fifth climber to die on these mountains over the past two days.In centuries/years past (= many centuries/years ago) even visiting the next village was considered a long journey.In the pastB1[before noun]having happened or existed before now: I know from past experience that you can't judge someone by their appearance.The prime minister's family have been instructed not to discuss his past life with the press.In the past›[after verb]finished: I'm feeling much better now that the cold weather is past.In the past