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

Kate’s ring stack is valued at around $527,312 and includes not just the sapphire and diamond engagement ring but also her Welsh gold wedding band—a tradition for royal brides—an eternity band, and a sapphire and diamond Cartier ring. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 25 June 2026

Because the worst thing that can happen for this kind of collection is to be sealed up in a vault for the rest of eternity. — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 24 June 2026

The legal minimum is three years in oak — an eternity by tequila standards. — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

Because nine days is an eternity on the NBA schedule. — Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 22 June 2026

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