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.
“If it helps, Auntie,” Steph says, “I don’t want to spend a lifetime away from home.”
From Literature
It had been mere hours since that moment; it had been a lifetime.
From Literature
The surviving spouse can benefit from the trust during their lifetime, but does not decide who receives the house after they die.
From MarketWatch
Cher made a surprise appearance at the Grammys - her first in 18 years - to receive a lifetime achievement award, and then to present record of the year.
From BBC
Cher announced the winner after accepting a lifetime achievement award, at first just reading off Vandross’ name — following some confusion when she began to walk off stage, then turned around, before reading off the nominees.
From Los Angeles Times
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.
