temporary

1 of 2

adjective

tem·​po·​rary ˈtem-pə-ˌrer-ē How to pronounce temporary (audio)
: lasting for a limited time
temporariness noun

temporary

2 of 2

noun

plural temporaries
: one serving for a limited time
adding several temporaries as typists during the summer

Examples of temporary in a Sentence

Adjective The drug will give you temporary relief from the pain. The delay is only temporary. The settlers built temporary shelters.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Buffalo National River is now under a temporary fire ban due to the ongoing drought conditions, which have resulted in extreme wild land fire danger. Buffalo National River, arkansasonline.com, 29 Oct. 2024 As a senior elections coordinator at the West Bloomfield Township clerk’s office, Tony Weatherly fields questions from the counter, the phone, even the temporary workers in the back room. John Wisely, Detroit Free Press, 28 Oct. 2024
Noun
While this approach seems reasonable, its tradeoffs necessitate SNAP reforms that balance keeping this costly program temporary for recipients while supporting their agency and choice for long-term self-sufficiency. Vance Ginn, National Review, 11 Mar. 2024 After removing the temporaries, Dr. Apa slid in my new veneers, which were then bonded to my current teeth's enamel. Kassidy Silva, Allure, 23 Mar. 2023 See all Example Sentences for temporary 

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

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from Latin temporārius "suited to the occasion, made for the occasion, lasting a limited time," from tempor-, tempus "time, period of time" + -ārius -ary entry 2 — more at tempo

Noun

derivative of temporary entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1564, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1848, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of temporary was circa 1564

Dictionary Entries Near temporary

Cite this Entry

“Temporary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/temporary. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

temporary

adjective
tem·​po·​rary
ˈtem-pə-ˌrer-ē
: not permanent : lasting for a limited time
a temporary shortage
temporarily
ˌtem-pə-ˈrer-ə-lē
adverb
Etymology

Adjective

from Latin temporarius "lasting for only a short time," from tempus "time" — related to tense entry 1

More from Merriam-Webster on temporary

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