eternity

noun

eter·​ni·​ty i-ˈtər-nə-tē 

plural eternities

1

: the quality or state of being eternal

2

: infinite time

lasting throughout eternity

3

eternities plural : age sense 3b

4

: the state after death : immortality

5

: a seemingly endless or immeasurable time

an eternity of delays

Synonyms of eternity

• perpetuity
• infinity
• foreverness

Examples of eternity in a Sentence

They believed that sinners would spend eternity in hell.

We suffered through an eternity of delays during the lawsuit.

Recent Examples on the Web

Balfe, meanwhile, opted for a custom silk gown by Louis Vuitton and a diamond necklace, eternity band, and signature Gypset hoop earrings by Jessica McCormack. —Carly Witteman, Vogue, 3 Mar. 2026

To the people on Flight SQ321, that would have seemed an eternity. —Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026

The first proposal featured a massive diamond and emerald ring; the second, a simple eternity band. —Emma Banks, InStyle, 27 Feb. 2026

Sitting there for what seemed like an eternity in pouring rain. —Rachel Handler, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English eternite, from Middle French eternité, from Latin aeternitat-, aeternitas, from aeternus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for eternity

• fraternity
• maternity
• modernity
• paternity
• confraternity
• taciturnity

Kids Definition

eternity

noun

eter·​ni·​ty i-ˈtər-nət-ē 

plural eternities

1

: the quality or state of being eternal

2

: endless time

3

: the state after death : immortality

4

: time that seems to be endless