lifetime
LYF-tym
Lifetime (noun) means the entire duration of someone's or something's life. Example: “She saw huge technological change in her lifetime.”
noun
1
The entire duration of someone's or something's life.
"comes with a lifetime warranty"
"She saw huge technological change in her lifetime."
"The bridge was designed to last a lifetime."
"Over his lifetime, my grandfather worked in four different countries."
How to use lifetime
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe whole span of time someone or something is alive or in existence.
Common pairings
lifetime achievement
once in a lifetime
lifetime guarantee
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Word forms
- Plural
- lifetimes
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She saw huge technological change in her _____.
Etymology
From Middle English lyftyme, formed from life + time.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for lifetime
See all rhymes for lifetime →Frequently asked questions
What does “lifetime” mean?
The word “lifetime” means the entire duration of someone's or something's life. In plain terms, the whole span of time someone or something is alive or in existence.
How do you pronounce “lifetime”?
“Lifetime” is pronounced LYF-tym (/ˈlaɪf.taɪm/ in IPA).
How do you use “lifetime” in a sentence?
Here is “lifetime” used in a sentence: “She saw huge technological change in her lifetime.”
What part of speech is “lifetime”?
“Lifetime” is a noun.
Where does the word “lifetime” come from?
The word “lifetime” comes from Middle English. From Middle English lyftyme, formed from life + time.
Is “lifetime” a common word?
“Lifetime” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between lifetime and lifespan?
A lifetime is the entire duration of a particular life, viewed as the period in which things happen: "She saw enormous change in her lifetime." A lifespan is the length of time a person, animal, or object lives or lasts, usually thought of as a measurable figure, as in "an average lifespan of ten years."
Is it lifetime or life time?
The standard spelling is one word: "lifetime." Writing it as two words is considered an error in modern English, whether it is used as a noun ("a lifetime of work") or before another noun ("a lifetime guarantee").
When do you hyphenate once in a lifetime?
Hyphenate it when the phrase works as an adjective directly before a noun: "a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." Leave it unhyphenated when it stands alone as a phrase: "An offer like this comes along once in a lifetime." Either way, it describes something so rare it may only happen during one entire life.
Can lifetime refer to objects as well as people?
Yes. "Lifetime" covers the entire duration of anything's existence or usefulness, not just a person's life. It is common in technical and commercial contexts, as in "the lifetime of a battery" or "a lifetime warranty."
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