continuous

play

adjective con·tin·u·ous \kən-ˈtin-yü-əs\

Definition of continuous

1 : marked by uninterrupted extension in space, time, or sequence The batteries provide enough power for up to five hours of continuous use.
2 of a function : having the property that the absolute value of the numerical difference between the value at a given point and the value at any point in a neighborhood of the given point can be made as close to zero as desired by choosing the neighborhood small enough

continuously

adverb

continuousness

noun

See continuous defined for English-language learners

See continuous defined for kids

Examples of continuous in a Sentence

The album is divided into different tracks, but it is really one continuous song.
a continuous line of traffic
The batteries provide enough power for up to five hours of continuous use.
The phrases “am seeing,” “had been seeing,” and “is being seen” are all in continuous tenses.

Recent Examples of continuous from the Web

North Central's program will take 24 continuous months to complete and begins in the fall of each academic term.

— suzanne baker, Naperville Sun, "North Central adding occupational therapy master's program", 30 June 2017
Gwyneth Paltrow doesn’t shout her suppositions quite like Jones — no one really could — but her continuous self-branding and confidence make for a similar kind of assured fan devotion.

— ethan sapienza, The Cut, "Goop and Infowars Have Way More in Common Than You Thought", 30 June 2017
Bylina was recognized for his continuous efforts to support community activities and program, and has donated items to the Rotary’s Burnt District Festival booth, the Casco picnic and Senior Day of Service lunch.

— kansascity, "Rotary presents awards, installs officers", 28 June 2017
This summer marks the 66th continuous season for this non-profit stage venue, which is run by the Dunes Arts Foundation.

— philip potempa, Post-Tribune, "Dunes Summer Theatre gets new life; reader defends 'Catwoman'", 27 June 2017
Do 10 continuous reps on this leg, then switch sides.

— emily abbate, Esquire, "How to Squeeze in a Full-Body Workout in Just 10 Minutes", 27 June 2017
The family built its current plant across the street from the original one to accommodate newer, larger equipment like a continuous fryer and a potato peeler machine.

— carole carlson, Post-Tribune, "Peerless Potato Chips closing after 89 years", 26 June 2017
The Republican Party’s moderate wing has been in a continuous state of slow-motion collapse for four decades.

— jonathan chait, Daily Intelligencer, "Republican Aide Says ‘Moderates Always Cave.’ That Explains Everything.", 23 June 2017
The Republic Bank Easy Trolley will run a continuous loop between 6 -10:30 p.m. Outside alcohol is prohibited.

— kirby adams, The Courier-Journal, "Not your mother's hula hoop. How the 'flow' of hooping has changed", 23 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'continuous'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of continuous

Latin continuus, from continēre to hold together — more at contain

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First Known Use: 1673

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of continuous

continual, continuous, constant, incessant, perpetual, perennial mean characterized by continued occurrence or recurrence. continual often implies a close prolonged succession or recurrence. continual showers the whole weekend continuous usually implies an uninterrupted flow or spatial extension. football's oldest continuous rivalry constant implies uniform or persistent occurrence or recurrence. lived in constant pain incessant implies ceaseless or uninterrupted activity. annoyed by the incessant quarreling perpetual suggests unfailing repetition or lasting duration. a land of perpetual snowfall perennial implies enduring existence often through constant renewal. a perennial source of controversy

CONTINUOUS Defined for English Language Learners

continuous

play

adjective

Definition of continuous for English Language Learners

: continuing without stopping : happening or existing without a break or interruption

CONTINUOUS Defined for Kids

continuous

play

adjective con·tin·u·ous \kən-ˈtin-yə-wəs\

Definition of continuous for Students

: going on without stop a continuous line of traffic

continuously

adverb

Medical Dictionary

continuous

play

adjective con·tin·u·ous \kən-ˈtin-yə-wəs\

Medical Definition of continuous

: marked by uninterrupted extension in space, time, or sequence : continuing without intermission or recurring regularly after minute interruptions continuous vitamin injections