Twas

usgb/twʌz/
contraction

It is a short form of 'it was'.

'Twas a cold and snowy night.
Visual representation of "twas" - It is a short form of 'it was'.

Often appears as...

  • 'twas the night before christmas
  • 'twas a dark and stormy night

Usage tips

Informal

Literary

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "twas"
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Literary Atmosphere

Used to evoke a classic, old-fashioned tone or to mimic historical speech.

Illustration for Literary Atmosphere
'Twas a pleasure to meet thee, good sir.
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Not Modern

'Twas is not commonly used in everyday language today; it appears more in historical or poetic contexts.

Illustration for Not Modern
At the fair, 'twas as though we'd stepped back in time.
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Christmas Reference

Often associated with Christmas tales, especially the famous poem 'A Visit from St. Nicholas'.

Illustration for Christmas Reference
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house...
Visual representation of the word "Twas"

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