elapse

1 of 2

verb

elapsed; elapsing

intransitive verb

: pass, go by
four years elapsed before he returned

elapse

2 of 2

noun

: passage
returned after an elapse of 15 years

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
Nearly five minutes had elapsed in the second half when Lazar Stefanovic took a pass from Skyy Clark in the corner and rose for a three-pointer that extended UCLA’s massive lead in its season opener. Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024 After that time has elapsed, bring the amaryllis back into the light, give it a good watering, and wait for new growth. Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Oct. 2024
Noun
Ukraine, for obvious reasons, will let a treaty elapse this year that had allowed Russia to pump gas across its territory. Max Bearak Hilary Swift, New York Times, 31 May 2024 As time has passed, however, the governor has questioned the death penalty's value because of the long delays that elapse between crime and punishment. Julie Carr Smyth, The Enquirer, 30 Jan. 2024 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

1644, in the meaning defined above

Noun

circa 1677, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of elapse was in 1644

Dictionary Entries Near elapse

Cite this Entry

“Elapse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elapse. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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