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

More than one in 10 Canadians report experiencing some form of homelessness in their lifetime.

From Salon

Bringing the energy level to its peak, the unexpected duo brought the “once in a lifetime” feeling to the 25th anniversary.

From Los Angeles Times

South Korea’s fertility rate — the average number of children a woman has in her lifetime — currently sits at 0.72, the lowest in the world and far below the 2.1 needed to maintain a stable population.

From Los Angeles Times

In order to get this clearance, Teixeira signed a "lifetime binding non-disclosure agreement" acknowledging that the "unauthorized disclosure of protected information could result in criminal charges", according to court documents.

From BBC

Besides, who could resist an animal that its owner calls the “bonsai tree of dogs”? It’s been all of two minutes and already there’s a lifetime bond.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• career
• life
• period