1
: having a long life : living a long time
long-lived siblings
a long-lived perennial
also : characterized by long life
a long-lived family
2
: lasting a long time : enduring
a long-lived fad
also : existing, functioning, or active for a period of time that is longer than usual or expected
a long-lived car
long-lived nuclear waste

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web That’s because the effects of CO2 in the atmosphere are long-lived. Marcello Rossi, Discover Magazine, 10 May 2023 Other factors, such as genetics, can work in your favor if your immediate family is long-lived. Michael De Medeiros, Health, 26 Mar. 2023 This was far more innocent and long-lived, if that’s something writers say. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 9 Mar. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'long-lived.' 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

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of long-lived was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near long-lived

Cite this Entry

“Long-lived.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/long-lived. Accessed 29 May. 2023.

Kids Definition

long-lived

adjective
ˈlȯŋ-ˈlīvd,
-ˈlivd
: living or lasting long

More from Merriam-Webster on long-lived

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!