elapse

1 of 2

verb

i-ˈlaps How to pronounce elapse (audio)
elapsed; elapsing
Synonyms of elapsenext

intransitive verb

: pass, go by
four years elapsed before he returned

elapse

2 of 2

noun

: passage
returned after an elapse of 15 years

Synonyms of elapse

Relevance

Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of elapse in a Sentence

Verb in those coin-operated binoculars at scenic areas your viewing time seems to elapse almost before it has begun
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Once the appropriate time has elapsed, rinse the mask out thoroughly. — Giulia Lenzi, Vogue, 8 June 2026 If the player takes longer, the new player can’t take the field until the first stoppage after one minute has elapsed following the restart. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2026
Noun
But the argument of the play doesn’t so much build as elapse. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2026 Twenty years—and not just any twenty, but 1945-1965—elapse in a speedy 23 pages! — Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for elapse

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Latin elapsus, past participle of elabi, from e- + labi to slip — more at sleep

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1644, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1693, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of elapse was circa 1644

Rhymes for elapse

See All Rhymes for elapse

Browse Nearby Words

Elaps
elapse
elapsed time
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Elapse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elapse. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

elapse

verb
i-ˈlaps
elapsed; elapsing
: to slip or glide away : pass
weeks elapsed before I found time to write

More from Merriam-Webster on elapse

Nglish: Translation of elapse for Spanish Speakers

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