forever

1 of 3

adverb

for·​ev·​er fə-ˈre-vər 

fȯ-;

 Southern often  fə-ˈe-və

1

: for a limitless time

wants to live forever

2

: at all times : continually

is forever making bad puns

forever

2 of 3

noun

: a seemingly interminable time : excessively long

It took her forever to find the answer.

forever

3 of 3

adjective

: not temporary or changing : permanent

"Any mandate we're looking at would be temporary, this is not a forever thing," BART District 8 Director Janice Li told SFGATE.

—Eric Ting

especially : of, relating to, or being a lifelong relationship

The song fantasizes of a forever romance …

—Ryan Dombal

Jim, who works for a federal agency, had a couple of post-divorce relationships that fizzled out and is ready to meet his forever person. Maybe even get remarried.

—Tanya Ballard Brown

The baby who started life in the NICU now has a forever family. Together, they're sharing the joys of the holiday season and encouraging others to consider fostering or adopting.

—Joey Safchik

This British reality show … centers on the caring staff at a rural animal rescue center, as they try to find forever homes [=permanent adoptive homes] for the dogs that have come into their care.

—latimes.com

Synonyms

Adverb

• always
• aye
• ay
• e'er
• eternally
• ever
• everlastingly
• evermore
• forevermore
• indelibly
• permanently
• perpetually

Noun

• aeon
• eon
• age
• blue moon
• coon's age
• cycle
• donkey's years [chiefly British]
• eternity
• long
• months
• moon

Examples of forever in a Sentence

Adverb

She was convinced that she would live forever.

I've been waiting forever for the doctor.

a dog that was forever chasing cars

He's forever asking silly questions.

Noun

After what seemed like forever, I was able to see the doctor.

It took forever to find his keys.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

Jeff Goldblum doesn’t plan on financially supporting his children forever. —Carly Thomas, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Apr. 2024

But officials acknowledge the boost won’t last forever. —Sarah Lapidus, The Arizona Republic, 29 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1741, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1879, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing forever

• forever chemical
• forever family
• forever homes
• live-forever

Kids Definition

forever

adverb

for·​ev·​er

fə-ˈrev-ər,

fȯ-

1

: for a limitless time : everlastingly

wants to live forever

2

: always sense 1, constantly

a dog that was forever chasing cars