What does today mean?
Today is a central English time word used to refer to the day on which something is happening or the day currently being discussed. Its adverbial use, as in “I saw her today,” is common in neutral, formal, and informal writing alike. The noun use, as in “the present day,” is more literary and often carries a reflective or rhetorical tone, inviting comparison with earlier or later periods. Today can indicate the immediate present, as in “today's news,” or identify a particular day within a narrative, as in “What are you doing today?” In American usage it is often placed before a part of the day, such as “today morning” or “today evening,” while British speakers may prefer “this morning” or “this evening.” The word is also central to expressions about current affairs, personal priorities, and immediate circumstances, making it useful for discussing both everyday plans and broader questions about the present moment.
On or during the present day.
"We are meeting today to discuss the proposal."
This is the most common and neutral use of the word.
The present day, especially as a period considered in contrast with other days.
"The events of today will shape the rest of the week."
The noun use is relatively uncommon and often literary, rhetorical, or reflective.
The plural “todays” is rare and mainly literary or rhetorical; ordinary usage normally treats “today” as a singular noun.
"Those todays were filled with possibility and uncertainty."
Today began as a Germanic phrase meaning “this day,” so even its modern form carries a tiny piece of everyday linguistic history.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of today
Today comes from Old English tōdæg, a compound meaning “this day” or “on this day.” The first element was an old demonstrative form related to “this,” while dæg is the ancestor of the modern word “day.” The form was simplified over time from to-day to today, although the older hyphenated spelling remained in use for centuries. Related Germanic languages have parallel forms, including German heute and Dutch vandaag, both meaning “today.”
Related word forms
How today is actually used
As an adverb, today is neutral in both formal and informal contexts. The noun use is more literary or rhetorical and is much less common than the adverbial use. In American English, today is commonly used before parts of the day, as in “today afternoon”; British English often prefers “this afternoon,” although “today afternoon” is also understood and used.
Easily confused with today
Today refers to the current calendar day, whereas Tuesday is a particular day of the week.