perpetuity

noun

per·​pe·​tu·​i·​ty ˌpər-pə-ˈtü-ə-tē 

-ˈtyü-

plural perpetuities

1

: eternity sense 2

2

: the quality or state of being perpetual

bequeathed to them in perpetuity

3

a

: 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

Did you know?

Perpetuity is a “forever” word—not in the sense that it relates to a lifelong relationship (as in “forever home”), but because it concerns the concept of, well, forever. Not only can perpetuity refer to infinite time, aka eternity, but it also has specific legal and financial uses, as for certain arrangements in wills and for annuities that are payable forever, or at least for the foreseeable future. The word ultimately comes from the Latin adjective perpetuus, meaning “continual” or “uninterrupted.” Perpetuus is the ancestor of several additional “forever” words, including the verb perpetuate (“to cause to last indefinitely”) and the adjective perpetual (“continuing forever,” “occurring continually”). A lesser known descendent, perpetuana, is now mostly encountered in historical works, as it refers to a type of durable wool or worsted fabric made in England only from the late 16th through the 18th centuries. Alas, nothing is truly forever.

Synonyms of perpetuity

• eternity
• infinity
• foreverness

Examples of perpetuity in a Sentence

lands that should remain in their wild state in perpetuity

Recent Examples on the Web

In hearings this year, the California’s Department of Finance said the program was meant to run for a limited time and expressed concern about funding it in perpetuity from the state budget. —Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026

The neighborhood governs how the assets are used, maintaining local control in perpetuity while using profits for reinvestment. —Alex Amouyel, Fortune, 14 May 2026

The Geoffrey Beene and Liz Claiborne awards are both in perpetuity. —Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 13 May 2026

Elizabeth Gower, a representative for the Dome’s ownership group, opened the call with a brief presentation about the venue and a request that a liquor license be granted in perpetuity, as the company’s current permit with the city was set to expire. —Brian Welk, IndieWire, 12 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English perpetuite, from Anglo-French perpetuité, from Latin perpetuitat-, perpetuitas, from perpetuus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing perpetuity

• in perpetuity

Rhymes for perpetuity

• acuity
• annuity
• circuity
• congruity
• fatuity
• gratuity
• tenuity
• vacuity
• ambiguity
• contiguity
• continuity
• incongruity

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Kids Definition

perpetuity

noun

per·​pe·​tu·​ity

ˌpər-pə-ˈt(y)ü-ət-ē

plural perpetuities

1

: perpetual existence

2

: endless time : eternity

Legal Definition

perpetuity

noun

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

plural perpetuities

1

: the quality, state, or duration of being perpetual

devised to them in perpetuity

2

a

: 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