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lifelong

adjective

life·​long ˈlīf-ˌlȯŋ How to pronounce lifelong (audio)
Synonyms of lifelongnext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With breathtaking speed, a little over a month after the Good Earth casting rejection, Wong left Hollywood to fulfill her lifelong dream of visiting China. — Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026 As a lifelong sports enthusiast and runner, these values resonate deeply with me. — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2026 Twenty years ago, Andrew Durham was given unprecedented access to the palace of Versailles during the shooting of the film Marie Antoinette, directed by his lifelong friend Sofia Coppola. — Daisy Leepson, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026 John, a Navy veteran and Democrat, and Mary, a lifelong Republican, are used to disagreeing over politics. — Patricia Murphy, AJC.com, 17 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lifelong

Word History

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lifelong was in 1613

Rhymes for lifelong

See All Rhymes for lifelong

Browse Nearby Words

life list
lifelong
lifeman
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Cite this Entry

“Lifelong.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifelong. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

lifelong

adjective
life·​long ˈlī-ˌflȯŋ How to pronounce lifelong (audio)
: continuing or lasting through life
a lifelong love for trees
a lifelong friendship

More from Merriam-Webster on lifelong

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for lifelong

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