plural lifetimes
1
a
: the time during which a person is alive
Four editions of the book were printed in his lifetime. [=during his life]
She has had a lifetime of hard work. [=she has worked hard all her life]
a lifetime spent traveling the world
I don't think it will happen in our lifetime. [=the time when we are alive]
She owns enough shoes to last (her) a lifetime. [=to last for the rest of her life]
the thrill of a lifetime [=a great thrill; the most exciting moment or event of a person's life]
This is the opportunity of a lifetime. = This sort of opportunity comes along once in a lifetime. [=this is a very rare opportunity]
—often used before another nounHe won a lifetime supply of ice cream. [=free ice cream for the rest of his life]
She was presented with a lifetime achievement award. [=an award for all the work she has done in her life]
a baseball player's lifetime batting average [=batting average measured over a baseball player's full career]
b
: a very long time
It would have taken me a lifetime to read all those books.
Childhood seems a lifetime ago now!
2
: the time during which something lasts or is useful
a chemical with a lifetime of only a few minutes
the lifetime of a planet/star/comet
Cite this Entry
“Lifetime.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/lifetime. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
Copy Citation
