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

Her study of Chinese art history would become another lifelong passion. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 7 Aug. 2026

When the Wall Street Journal asked Alito about calls for his own retirement, Alito brushed it off as what happens with a role that is a lifelong appointment. — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 7 Aug. 2026

This lifelong passion, sparked in childhood, led them to create the unique L'Orologio hotel brand in Florence, Venice, and Rome. — Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

The lifelong Rosemont resident graduated from East Leyden High School in three years and earned a bachelor’s degree in business and a doctorate from DePaul University, as well as completing classes at Triton. — Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 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