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
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.
A24 and Borgli surely knew this secret couldn’t stay hidden forever, and that’s ultimately a good thing.
From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026
The current surge in healthcare hiring can’t go on forever.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026
"We will miss her forever, she will never be forgotten. Love you always and forever."
From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026
Bianco’s tenure as elected sheriff may not last forever.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026
All I could think of was Cat, gone forever, and the coin, and Anna.
From "Nory Ryan’s Song" by Patricia Reilly Giff
![]()
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.