perpetuity

noun

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per·pe·tu·i·ty | \ ˌpər-pə-ˈtü-ə-tē

, -ˈtyü- \

plural perpetuities

Definition of perpetuity

1 : eternity sense 2

2 : the quality or state of being perpetual bequeathed to them in perpetuity

3a : the condition of an estate limited so that it will not take effect or vest within the period fixed by law

b : an estate so limited

4 : an annuity payable forever

Synonyms Did you know? More Example Sentences Phrases Containing perpetuity Learn More About perpetuity

Examples of perpetuity in a Sentence

lands that should remain in their wild state in perpetuity

Recent Examples on the Web First, the plaintiffs gave up the right to sue or seek legal redress against the Church of Scientology in perpetuity. — Matt Ford, The New Republic, 27 July 2022 John Locke, after the fall of the Cromwell regime—is a design for perfect feudalism, with social rank and authority corresponding exactly, in perpetuity, to the amount of land held by an individual. — Marilynne Robinson, Harper’s Magazine , 20 July 2022 The Kardashians has committed to long-term rights, though, and with original music, shows can secure songs in perpetuity while still maintaining that low cost. — Kirsten Chuba, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 July 2022 That's an infinite opportunity to drive revenue in perpetuity. — Amy Shoenthal, Forbes, 11 July 2022 On Wednesday, the Summit Land Conservancy and Ogden Valley Land Trust officially secured a conservation easement for 1,050 acres at the site, protecting it as open space in perpetuity. — Leia Larsen, The Salt Lake Tribune, 11 July 2022 Based on a decade of their catch history, individual fishermen and companies were granted rights to a percentage of the annual total allowable catch — in perpetuity — free to fish it, sell it or lease it to others. — Will Sennott, ProPublica, 6 July 2022 But as with drivers, CPU vendors don't issue these kinds of firmware-level security updates in perpetuity. — Andrew Cunningham, Ars Technica, 1 July 2022 Will patients like Baker be precluded from discarding unneeded embryos and instead urged to donate them for adoption or compelled to store them in perpetuity? — Jan Hoffman, BostonGlobe.com, 5 July 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'perpetuity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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perpetuity

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Last Updated

31 Jul 2022

Cite this Entry

“Perpetuity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perpetuity. Accessed 8 Aug. 2022.

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More Definitions for perpetuity

perpetuity

noun

per·pe·tu·i·ty | \ ˌpər-pə-ˈtü-ə-tē, -ˈtyü-

plural perpetuities

Legal Definition of perpetuity

1 : the quality, state, or duration of being perpetual devised to them in perpetuity

2a : the condition of a future estate limited in such a way as not to vest within the period fixed by law for the vesting of an estate also : a limitation that gives rise to such a situation

b : an estate that will not vest within the period fixed by law — see also rule against perpetuities, statutory rule against perpetuities

3 : an annuity payable forever