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

• 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

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

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