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

While the former embraces a more roots style that gives it that ranchera sensibility, this new one thrives on a more subtle nu-pop sound but equally effective in lyricism inspired by spirituality, healing and eternity. —Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 14 Nov. 2025

So all living things must die, passing through nature to eternity. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 14 Nov. 2025

Hilton opted for a diamond eternity ring, while Reum donned a silver band. —Ariana Quihuiz, PEOPLE, 11 Nov. 2025

Such a person might embrace an eternity in which to marvel at the etchings on a Roman coin, or the weight of a leek. —Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025

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