lifetime

life-time · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The duration of a person's life.

  2. 2.

    The duration of a thing's existence or usefulness.

  3. 3.

    (Informal) A very long time.

Forms

plural: lifetimes

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    once in a lifetime — extremely rare or unique
  • •
    lifetime achievement — recognition for a body of work over many years
  • •
    lifetime guarantee/warranty — a promise of product quality for its entire useful life
  • •
    the chance of a lifetime — an exceptional opportunity

Related words

See also: generation, life, lifelong, lifespan
Synonyms: existence, life, lifespan

Etymology

A compound of Old English lif ("life") and tima ("time"). Used since the 13th century.