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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the context of a daily sport like the 162-game marathon the New York Yankees and 29 other teams put themselves through every year, two weeks ago can feel like an eternity ago. Larry Fleisher, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025 Yes, rice cookers have existed for an eternity, but Dash's Mini Rice Cooker has now become a staple in my kitchen (it's earned a permanent spot on my countertop). Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 29 June 2025 His trade request out of Calgary seems like an eternity ago. Pierre Lebrun, New York Times, 18 June 2025 Whether that’s a nontraditional center stone, or even an eternity band in place of a classic engagement ring, clients are prioritizing unique styles, budget and wearability. Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for eternity

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Eternity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eternity. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!