perpetuity

[ pur-pi-too-i-tee, -tyoo- ]

noun

, plural per·pe·tu·i·ties.

1. the state or character of being perpetual (often preceded by in ):

   to desire happiness in perpetuity.

2. endless or indefinitely long duration or existence; eternity.
3. something that is perpetual.
4. an annuity paid for life.
5. Law. an interest under which property is less than completely alienable for longer than the law allows.

perpetuity

/ ˌpɜːpɪˈtjuːɪtɪ /

noun

1. eternity
2. the state or quality of being perpetual
3. property law a limitation preventing the absolute disposal of an estate for longer than the period allowed by law
4. an annuity with no maturity date and payable indefinitely
5. in perpetuity
   in perpetuity for ever

Other Words From

• nonper·pe·tui·ty noun plural nonperpetuities

Word History and Origins

Origin of perpetuity¹

1375–1425; late Middle English perpetuite < Latin perpetuitās. See perpetual, -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of perpetuity¹

C15: from Old French perpetuite, from Latin perpetuitās continuity; see perpetual

Example Sentences

As of Earth Day 2021, the network had about 125 forests around the country that should stay forests in perpetuity.

From Science News

The building, the former headquarters of Sempra that the city hoped would house hundreds of workers into perpetuity, has been a scandal for many years – mostly a scandal of incompetence.

From Voice of San Diego

To be sure, AstraZeneca has said it will sell these vaccines at no profit to the developing world “in perpetuity,” and at no profit in the West until it decides the pandemic is over.

From Quartz

It’s not one where we’re looking to bend the curve and double every year in perpetuity, though we do have very aggressive growth targets.

From Digiday

As a result of that, by definition, it will probably be inadequate because it is not intended to be an appropriation in perpetuity.

From Washington Post

It's a problem for people who see double digit increases and think they'll come for perpetuity.

From The Daily Beast

Gibraltar was ceded to Britain in perpetuity under the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht.

From The Daily Beast

That's seed money to guarantee you a good reservation any time, any day, in perpetuity.

From The Daily Beast

Then she settled in perpetuity in front of the television, knitting overtight stripy jumpers.

From The Daily Beast

These new occupiers of the land were to hold it in perpetuity as tenants of the state, paying a small annual rental.

From Project Gutenberg

The nomadic and hunter states of society never embraced within themselves the elements of perpetuity.

From Project Gutenberg

The Age of Bronze and all other ages that have preceded ours lacked the great essentials that insure perpetuity.

From Project Gutenberg

To Abraham was promised multitude and blessing of seed, to David perpetuity of dominion.

From Project Gutenberg

It will be noticed that the preamble had the declaration of perpetuity, that we, the people, made it for our posterity.

From Project Gutenberg