lifetime
Americannoun
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the time that the life of someone or something continues; the term of a life.
peace within our lifetime.
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Physics. mean life.
adjective
noun
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the length of time a person or animal is alive
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( as modifier )
a lifetime supply
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the length of time that something functions, is useful, etc
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physics the average time of existence of an unstable or reactive entity, such as a nucleus, excited state, elementary particle, etc; mean life
Etymology
Origin of lifetime
First recorded in 1175–1225, lifetime is from the Middle English word liftime. See life, time
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.
Her voice is different, deeper, possessing a lifetime of experience that her teenage self couldn’t have possibly imagined.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026
The proposed rule explains that a plan sponsor can adopt a lifetime income solution so long as it determines, “within its discretion, that the lifetime income benefit provides commensurate value for the fees charged.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026
Bondi said she would be "working tirelessly" to transfer her work to Blanche, adding that the job had "been the honour" of a lifetime.
From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026
Placing an IRA directly in a trust during his lifetime is legally invalid and could trigger significant tax or estate-planning issues.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026
He had, almost within grasp, the story of a lifetime.
From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin
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.
