lifetime

noun

LYF-tym/ˈlaɪftaɪm/

2 meanings of lifetime

1
nouncountable
The full span of time during which a person, animal, or object lives or remains in existence.
She devoted her entire lifetime to studying coral reefs.
The average lifetime of these batteries is about five years.
Similarlifespan
2
nouncolloquialcountable
A very long period of time, far longer than usual or comfortable.
The two-hour delay at the airport felt like a lifetime.
He waited what seemed like a lifetime for her reply.
Similarages, eternity, years

Practice

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Origin

From Middle English lyftyme, equivalent to "life" plus "time." It is cognate with Icelandic líftími, and can be compared with Dutch leeftijd, German Lebenszeit, and Swedish livstid.