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.
For the traditional Telugu Hindu ceremony, their priest translated Sanskrit to English in real time, and the mandap was designed as a circle to represent how life flows into itself for eternity. — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2026 The temple is a coveted site for wedding ceremonies, known as celestial marriages, or sealings, in which couples are bound together for all eternity. — Brandon Griggs, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 The singer roamed the space, which created an eternity out of glass, and captured the experience on camera. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 27 Aug. 2026 The 80-year-old singer will spend eternity wearing high heels and a comfortable cotton dress, according to TMZ. — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 25 Aug. 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
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Cite this Entry

“Eternity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eternity. Accessed 1 Sep. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about eternity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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