lifetime

[ lahyf-tahym ]

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.

adjective

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

   He has a lifetime membership in the organization.

lifetime

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of lifetime¹

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

Example Sentences

In 2013, Flick received a lifetime achievement award from the National Guitar Museum, who said he was “one of the world's great guitarists”.

From BBC

"This music has always brought such comfort and now being able to spend time with it and be trusted with it is the privilege of a lifetime".

From BBC

However, Musk developed the rocket system to take astronauts to Mars, something he would like to accomplish during his lifetime.

From Los Angeles Times

In less than two weeks since being elected again, Donald J. Trump has embarked on a new campaign to shatter the institutions of Washington as no incoming president has in his lifetime.

From Salon

"But I also have a mindset of possibilities, and faith in ourselves, that we can rise and achieve great things in our lifetime."

From BBC

Related Words

• career
• life
• period