now now /ˈnaʊ/

adverb

1. () In the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events  ( now )
   in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
    President Kennedy now calls in the National Guard
   President Kennedy now calls in the National Guard
    Washington now decides to cross the Delaware
   Washington now decides to cross the Delaware
    The ship is now listing to port
   the ship is now listing to port
   
2. () In these times  ( nowadays , today , now )
   in these times
    It is solely by their language that the upper classes nowadays are distinguished
   it is solely by their language that the upper classes nowadays are distinguished
    We now rarely see horse-drawn vehicles on city streets
   we now rarely see horse-drawn vehicles on city streets
    Today almost every home has television
   today almost every home has television
   
3. () Used to preface a command, reproof or request  ( now )
   used to preface a command, reproof or request
    Now hear this!
   now hear this!
    Now pay attention
   now pay attention
   
4. () At the present moment  ( at present , now )
   at the present moment
    Goods now on sale
   goods now on sale
    The now-aging dictator
   the now-aging dictator
    They are now abroad
   they are now abroad
    He is busy at present writing a new novel
   he is busy at present writing a new novel
    It could happen any time now
   it could happen any time now
   
5. () Without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening  ( like a shot [Informal] , straight off , right off the bat [Informal, N. American] , directly , forthwith , instantly , now , straightaway , tout de suite , at once , immediately , right away )
   without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
    He answered immediately
   he answered immediately
    Found an answer straightaway
   found an answer straightaway
    An official accused of dishonesty should be suspended forthwith
   an official accused of dishonesty should be suspended forthwith
    Come here now!
   Come here now!
   
6. In the immediate past  ( now )
   in the immediate past
    Told me just now
   told me just now
   
7. (prefatory or transitional) indicates a change of subject or activity  ( now )
   (prefatory or transitional) indicates a change of subject or activity
    Now the next problem is...
   Now the next problem is...
   

noun

1. () The momentary present  ( now )
   the momentary present
    Now is a good time to do it
   Now is a good time to do it
    It worked up to right now
   it worked up to right now