lifelong

adjective

life·​long ˈlīf-ˌlȯŋ 

1

: lasting or continuing through life

a lifelong friendship

2

: long-standing

Examples of lifelong in a Sentence

He had a lifelong love of nature.

Recent Examples on the Web

Good food, a lovely beach and warm weather are the backdrop to all this inner reflection and journey to lifelong wellness. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026

The tension between Black voters and the Democratic Party came to a head last month when Gainesville Commissioner Cynthia Chestnut, a lifelong Democrat, broke ranks to endorse Donalds. — Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026

Escaping the shadow of being Kirk Douglas’ son has been a lifelong battle for the actor. — Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026

In the Mexican drama series Inside the Circle, four lifelong friends accidentally uncover a video that links a powerful government official to the unsolved death of an actress. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 2 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lifelong

• evensong
• livelong
• overlong
• vietcong
• agung
• along
• belong
• birdsong
• furlong
• headlong
• headstrong
• plainsong

Kids Definition

lifelong

adjective

life·​long ˈlī-ˌflȯŋ 

: continuing or lasting through life

a lifelong love for trees

a lifelong friendship