As a Noun: 1. A very long period of time. As Modifier: 1. Used immediately next to a verb sign to mean the action took a long time. 2. Used at the beginning of a sentence to place the action of the sentence a long time ago in the past. English = a long time ago, ages ago, long ago. 3. Used immediately next to a verb sign to place the time of the action a long time ago in the past. English = long ago.