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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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.
It's also a priority for his customers, who are keen to protect families and pets from conventional treatments such as the "forever chemical" bifenthrin, classified as a possible human carcinogen.
From Barron's ● Aug. 7, 2026
These shots of concentrated caffeine are meant to be sipped, not sniffed, but one whiff of a ragingly popular one—bouquet de Dubble Bubble and wet sneakers—was enough to put me off them forever.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 6, 2026
“Her memory will forever remain a part of our sisterhood, and her impact will continue to live on through the lives she touched.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 6, 2026
He counsels letter writers on how to handle a cheating brother, discuss religion with a devout friend, and avoid spiraling over the fear of being single forever.
From Slate ● Aug. 5, 2026
That despite my best efforts, they’ll remain broken, dead, forever out of my reach, just like this hopeless plant.
From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam
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.
