eternity

noun

eter·​ni·​ty i-ˈtər-nə-tē 

plural eternities

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

• everlasting
• foreverness
• infinity
• perpetuity

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

The loss of Matty and John will leave a hole in the family, with his close friends, the community, for eternity. —Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025

The home was sprinkled with speakers through which Carter’s voice lilts, playing into eternity. —Laura Carney, People.com, 1 Jan. 2025

The ancient Greeks believed that the fruit's seeds symbolized abundance, fertility and eternity, according to the Greek Reporter. Brazil is known for its legendary fireworks show in Rio de Janeiro, especially on New Year's Eve. —Amanda Cappelli, CBS News, 31 Dec. 2024

And for those who don't have a successful Olympics, those four years can be like an absolute eternity. —NBC News, 29 Dec. 2024

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

Kids Definition

eternity

noun

eter·​ni·​ty i-ˈtər-nət-ē 

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