lifelong

adjective

life·​long ˈlīf-ˌlȯŋ How to pronounce lifelong (audio)
1
: lasting or continuing through life
a lifelong friendship
2

Examples of lifelong in a Sentence

He had a lifelong love of nature.
Recent Examples on the Web The lifelong Bostonian then revealed that Durham, 45, had abandoned the New England Patriots to support the Chiefs. Gabrielle Rockson, Peoplemag, 15 Mar. 2024 The film relives the many stunning moments of Luther’s musical career, while exploring his unrequited love life, health struggles, and a lifelong battle to earn the respect his music deserved. Addie Morfoot, Variety, 14 Mar. 2024 Annie is trying to reconnect with her lifelong best friend, bride-to-be Lillian (Maya Rudolph), who is seated with snobby, wealthy bridesmaid and aspiring BFF Helen (Rose Byrne). Rebecca Keegan, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Mar. 2024 Women in the crowd recalled their own abortions, or lifelong battles for reproductive rights. Angela Charlton and Jade Le Deley, Quartz, 8 Mar. 2024 Looking back at her career, Herrera, now 85, views the BUG program as an extension of her lifelong commitment to educational values. Jan Goldsmith, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2024 The son of a contemporary dance choreographer and lifelong performer, Miller was a three-year captain on the Windward School’s cheerleading team. Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2024 So, whether your next camping trip involves backpacking in Glacier National Park or vacationing in your 40-foot-long RV at a KOA resort, these are the 14 camping essentials that this lifelong camper recommends having on hand. Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2024 Most organizers of the effort are lifelong Democrats who voted for Mr. Allen in the past, helping propel him to overwhelming victories in 2014, 2018, and 2022. Andrew Trunsky, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lifelong.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lifelong was in 1613

Dictionary Entries Near lifelong

Cite this Entry

“Lifelong.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifelong. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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