lifetime

American  

[lahyf-tahym] / ˈlaɪfˌtaɪm /

noun

1. the time that the life of someone or something continues; the term of a life.

   peace within our lifetime.

2. Physics. mean life.

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adjective

1. for the duration of a person's life.

   He has a lifetime membership in the organization.

lifetime British  

/ ˈlaɪfˌtaɪm /

noun

1. 1. the length of time a person or animal is alive

   2. ( as modifier )

      a lifetime supply

2. the length of time that something functions, is useful, etc

3. physics the average time of existence of an unstable or reactive entity, such as a nucleus, excited state, elementary particle, etc; mean life

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Etymology

Origin of lifetime

First recorded in 1175–1225, lifetime is from the Middle English word liftime. See life, time

Example Sentences

Yet Hamilton's reputation during his lifetime was built on work he completed much earlier.

From Science Daily

He describes himself as a "car idiot" who has spent a lifetime restoring classic cars.

From BBC

However, any attempt to reduce the amount graduates repay over their lifetime would ultimately come at a cost to taxpayers, according to recent analysis by independent economists at the Institute for Fiscal Studies.

From BBC

“Success is counted sweetest” was one of the few poems that was published during her lifetime, but only anonymously, and no one knows if she gave permission.

From Literature

The new research, which was published in the journal Geriatrics, comes as people are living longer — but their health and wealth may not last their entire lifetime.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• career
• life
• period