lifelong
Americanadjective
adjective
Etymology
Origin of lifelong
Explanation
Something lifelong lasts your entire life, or for most of it. A lifelong friendship might have begun in kindergarten, and it continues today. You can describe your grandfather as a lifelong Republican if he's voted for the Republican candidate in every election all through his life. You could also say you have a lifelong hatred of green vegetables if you've refused broccoli and spinach since you first ate solid food. The word lifelong, meaning "continuing for a lifetime," was coined in the nineteenth century.
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.
Morrison ended up becoming Scott’s thesis adviser and lifelong mentor.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 20, 2026
As a lifelong Michigander who values the state’s diversity, he doesn’t want to see divisions grow.
From Slate ● Aug. 20, 2026
Prof Anna Hansell, at the University of Leicester, who was not involved in the study said the improved lung function in children was "likely to have lifelong benefits for their health."
From BBC ● Aug. 18, 2026
You also can’t invent what is now a lifelong bond.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 16, 2026
He doesn’t even have to confirm it for me, because I know we are about to fulfill his lifelong dream and mine.”
From "Boy21" by Matthew Quick
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.
