forever
Americanadverb
-
without ever ending; eternally.
Like the memory of her laughter, the love for her in our hearts will last forever.
-
continually; incessantly; always.
He's forever complaining.
noun
adjective
idioms
adverb
-
Also: for ever. without end; everlastingly; eternally
-
at all times; incessantly
-
informal for a very long time
he went on speaking forever
noun
-
informal (as object) a very long time
it took him forever to reply
-
an exclamation expressing support or loyalty
Scotland forever!
Usage
Forever and for ever can both be used to say that something is without end. For all other meanings, forever is the preferred form
Etymology
Origin of forever
First recorded in 1300–50; originally a prepositional phrase for ever
Explanation
Things that last forever never come to an end — they continue endlessly. An experience that changes you forever alters you in ways that will last the rest of your life. The adverb forever literally means "eternally," so when you promise, "I'll love you forever." you mean it. You can also use forever in a less literal, more exaggerated way: "It is taking forever for the bus to get here," or to mean "without stopping," as when you comment that the rain can't continue forever. The word combines for and ever, which stems from the Old English æfre, "always."
Vocabulary lists containing forever
Lyrics from "Umbrella" by Rihanna
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"When Cultures Meet"
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"On Surrender at Bear Paw Mountain, 1877"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
According to a new study, some of the substances that replaced ozone damaging chemicals are now responsible for spreading large amounts of a persistent "forever chemical" across the globe.
From Science Daily • Jun. 9, 2026
Even the most extreme money printer is likely to concede that something which cannot continue forever, won’t.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026
However, investors shouldn’t count out Costco forever, given the company’s strong same-store sales–evidence of its expanding market share–and the increasing popularity of warehouse clubs in general.
From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026
"I am going be alone and I don't want to be alone forever," she said.
From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026
It look forever to find it again; to hit the flint against the strike-fire, and shower sparks on the little pile of yew bark shavings in his hand, but at last the rushlight flared.
From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
