lifelong

adjective

life·​long ˈlīf-ˌlȯŋ How to pronounce lifelong (audio)
Synonyms of lifelongnext
1
: lasting or continuing through life
a lifelong friendship
2
: long-standing

Examples of lifelong in a Sentence

He had a lifelong love of nature.
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.
Dawn had had a lifelong interest in homeopathy and spent hours obsessively detailing her children’s ailments. — Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026 In Hendersonville, North Carolina, lifelong conservative Austin Rhodes teamed up with his progressive neighbor Tiernan Turner to speak out against Flock cameras. — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026 Lee, who recruited lifelong-friend Liddell to join her on the project, eventually met Dempsey and decided to partner on the project. — April Quevedo, jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Parton volunteered to serve food that day and became a lifelong supporter of the non-profit. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lifelong

Word History

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lifelong was in 1613

Rhymes for lifelong

See All Rhymes for lifelong

Browse Nearby Words

life list
lifelong
lifeman
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lifelong.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifelong. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

lifelong

adjective
life·​long ˈlī-ˌflȯŋ How to pronounce lifelong (audio)
: continuing or lasting through life
a lifelong love for trees
a lifelong friendship

More from Merriam-Webster on lifelong

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for lifelong

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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