time immemorial

noun

1

: time so long past as to be indefinite in history or tradition

called also time out of mind

2

: a time antedating a period legally fixed as the basis for a custom or right

Examples of time immemorial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The word first appeared as a verb and interjection in the 19th century, though the sound itself goes back to time immemorial. —Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025

The mysterious nature of twins — particularly identical twins — has been a devious source of curiosity and fascination in Hollywood for time immemorial. —Barry Levitt, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025

One of the most iconic and well-loved colors on the infamous wheel, blue has been a staple in fashion and decor for time immemorial. —Rachel Gallaher, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2025

There will most likely never be a perfect, harmonious balance between contemporary humans with modern lives and the wild, apex predators that have occupied the landscape for time immemorial. —Malcolm Brooks Malcolm Hillgartner Krish Seenivasan Zak Mouton, New York Times, 31 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for time immemorial

• ambassadorial
• combinatorial
• conspiratorial
• gladiatorial
• gubernatorial
• inquisitorial
• mediatorial
• multifactorial
• prosecutorial
• supratentorial
• arboreal
• armorial

Legal Definition

time immemorial

noun

time im·​me·​mo·​ri·​al

-ˌi-mə-ˈmȯr-ē-əl

1

: a time beyond legal memory formerly fixed by English law as the beginning of the reign of Richard I in 1189 but modified in common law

2

: a time going back beyond the memory of any living person