outlive

American  

[out-liv] / ˌaʊtˈlɪv /

verb (used with object)

outlived, outliving

1. to live longer than; survive (a person, period, etc.).

   She outlived her husband by many years.

2. to outlast; live or last through.

   The ship outlived the storm. He hopes to outlive the stigma of his imprisonment.

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outlive British  

/ ˌaʊtˈlɪv /

verb

1. to live longer than (someone)

2. to live beyond (a date or period)

   he outlived the century

3. to live through (an experience)

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Related Words

See survive.

Other Word Forms

• outliver noun

Etymology

Origin of outlive

First recorded in 1425–75, outlive is from the late Middle English word outliven. See out-, live ¹

Example Sentences

Now she’s planning for a legacy brand she hopes will outlive her.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

You once said that buildings you develop outlive you and go on to define a city.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

"The diplomatic relationship between USA and South Africa predate the Trump administration and they will outlive the current White House term of office."

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

You are two years older than your wife, and women tend to outlive men by around five to six years.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 17, 2026

But listening to the whimpering near her ear, and feeling her brother’s warm breath on her cheek, mostly, mostly, she just wanted to outlive Akira, so he would never be alone.

From "A Place to Belong" by Cynthia Kadohata