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

The greatest writers never lose sight of eternity, it has been said, no matter how loud or twisted the events in the foreground. —Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026

Since late 2024, Kate Middleton has frequently added a sapphire and diamond eternity band to her ring stack. —Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 7 Mar. 2026

Within a Western framework, eternity is often conceived as perpetual, unstoppable change—an ideology of movement. —Li Qi, Artforum, 6 Mar. 2026

Balfe, meanwhile, opted for a custom silk gown by Louis Vuitton and a diamond necklace, eternity band, and signature Gypset hoop earrings by Jessica McCormack. —Carly Witteman, Vogue, 3 Mar. 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