eternity

noun

eter·​ni·​ty i-ˈtər-nə-tē How to pronounce eternity (audio)
plural eternities
Synonyms of eternity
1
: the quality or state of being eternal
2
: infinite time
lasting throughout eternity
3
eternities plural : age sense 3b
4
: the state after death : immortality
5
: a seemingly endless or immeasurable time
an eternity of delays

Synonyms of eternity

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Examples of eternity in a Sentence

They believed that sinners would spend eternity in hell. We suffered through an eternity of delays during the lawsuit.
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.
This buys us days, though, not an eternity. — Emma Laperruque, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 June 2026 Half a year can be an eternity in the NBA. — Josh Robbins, New York Times, 22 June 2026 Because the worst thing that can happen for this kind of collection is to be sealed up in a vault for the rest of eternity. — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 24 June 2026 Ray added Heuermann will have to take his punishment to eternity. — Lisa Rozner, CBS News, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for eternity

Word History

Etymology

Middle English eternite, from Middle French eternité, from Latin aeternitat-, aeternitas, from aeternus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of eternity was in the 14th century

Rhymes for eternity

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Browse Nearby Words

eterne
eternity
eternity ring
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

eternity

noun
eter·​ni·​ty i-ˈtər-nət-ē How to pronounce eternity (audio)
plural eternities
1
: the quality or state of being eternal
2
: endless time
3
: the state after death : immortality
4
: time that seems to be endless

More from Merriam-Webster on eternity

Nglish: Translation of eternity for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about eternity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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