outlive

verb

out·​live ˌau̇t-ˈliv How to pronounce outlive (audio)
outlived; outliving; outlives

transitive verb

1
: to live beyond or longer than
outlived most of his friends
outlive its usefulness
2
: to survive the effects of
universities … outlive many political and social changesJ. B. Conant

Examples of outlive in a Sentence

No mother wants to outlive her children. He outlived his wife by 10 years.
Recent Examples on the Web Women live longer than men, highlighting the risk of women outliving their money. Bruce Helmer and Peg Webb, Twin Cities, 11 May 2024 As with other technical innovations from Rolex, the visual impact has long outlived its functionality to become a signature of the brand. Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 11 May 2024 Despite every classic rock ’n’ roll obstacle — including drug and alcohol abuse, savage infighting, band turnover, short-sighted industry suits and the death knell that is the passage of time — the band far outlived the Pistols and is arguably more influential. Erin Osmon, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2024 The structure of the album has outlived the technological constraints of vinyl. C. Brandon Ogbunu, WIRED, 19 Apr. 2024 The essence of resistance to oppression is this ability to imagine liberation—the will of the occupied always outlives the occupier. Ahmad Ibsais, TIME, 18 Apr. 2024 Mary, meanwhile, outlived George by nearly four years, dying on April 19, 1632. Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Apr. 2024 The renewal means Raising Kanan will officially outlive Power Book II: Ghost, as the latter series will conclude with its upcoming fourth season. Lesley Goldberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Mar. 2024 No mother ever expects to outlive and bury her children and as a mother, the depth and breadth of my grief are beyond measure. Corin Cesaric, Peoplemag, 8 Mar. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of outlive was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near outlive

Cite this Entry

“Outlive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outlive. Accessed 18 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

outlive

verb
out·​live (ˈ)au̇t-ˈliv How to pronounce outlive (audio)
: to live longer than : outlast

More from Merriam-Webster on outlive

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