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
   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

NFTs are an ideal vehicle for giving back because the owner can dedicate a percentage of sales to charities of their choice in perpetuity.

From Salon

Probate law needs to be reformed to prevent properties “sitting empty in perpetuity,” he adds, but above all he believes empty homes need to be put back in the spotlight as a national issue.

From BBC

But California has created the world’s strongest definition for protected areas under 30x30, Crowfoot said, which includes lands and waters that are protected in perpetuity and principally for ecological benefit.

From Los Angeles Times

A version of the program began during the pandemic, but “it was never meant to continue in perpetuity,” a spokesman for City Councilmember Bob Blumenfield told The Times earlier this year.

From Los Angeles Times

Google agreed to pay $73 million a year, indexed to inflation and in perpetuity, into a fund for the news industry.

From Los Angeles Times