lifetime

noun

LYF-tym/ˈlaɪftaɪm/

Plurallifetimes

2 meanings of lifetime

1
nouncountable
The whole time that a person, animal, or thing is alive or lasts.
Like the time from when a candle is lit until it burns all the way out.
My grandmother lived through many changes in her lifetime.
This old bridge has lasted far beyond its expected lifetime.
Similarlifespan
2
nouncolloquialcountable
A very long stretch of time that seems to go on and on.
Like a boring afternoon that seems to last forever.
Waiting for the results felt like a lifetime.
It took a lifetime to get through that long line at the bank.
Similarages, eternity, years

Practice

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Origin

From Middle English lyftyme, made from "life" plus "time".