eternity

noun

eter·​ni·​ty i-ˈtər-nə-tē How to pronounce eternity (audio)
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

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 The ball hung around the rim for what seemed like an eternity. Timothy Dashiell, Baltimore Sun, 24 May 2024 Meghan Markle debuted a new eternity ring at Trooping the Colour in 2019 In 2019, Meghan's ring collection expanded even further with the addition of a gorgeous eternity ring that PEOPLE confirmed was gifted to her by Prince Harry for the couple's one-year anniversary. Nicole Briese, Peoplemag, 24 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for eternity 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'eternity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of eternity was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near eternity

Cite this Entry

“Eternity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eternity. Accessed 28 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

eternity

noun
eter·​ni·​ty i-ˈtər-nət-ē How to pronounce eternity (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on eternity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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