perpetuity

noun

per·​pe·​tu·​i·​ty ˌpər-pə-ˈtü-ə-tē 

-ˈtyü-

plural perpetuities

1

: eternity sense 2

2

: the quality or state of being perpetual

bequeathed to them in perpetuity

3

a

: the condition of an estate limited so that it will not take effect or vest within the period fixed by law

b

: an estate so limited

4

: an annuity payable forever

Did you know?

Continual existence—that elusive philosophical concept is reflected in perpetuity, which traces to Latin perpetuus, an adjective meaning "continual" or "uninterrupted." The word has specific legal use. It can refer, for example, to an arrangement in a will rendering land forever incapable of being surrendered or transferred (or at least, for a period longer than is set by rules against such arrangements) or to an annuity that is payable forever.

Synonyms

• eternity
• everlasting
• foreverness
• infinity

Examples of perpetuity in a Sentence

lands that should remain in their wild state in perpetuity

Recent Examples on the Web

Designed to stand the test of time and, indeed, given the proper care, to run in perpetuity, L.U.C timepieces remain core to the Chopard collection today. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 1 Dec. 2024

For one thing, Bravo and NBCUniversal have a tendency to recycle reality stars, creating new spin-offs, casting them on shows like The Traitors and House of Villains, keeping them stuck in the Bravo-universe for perpetuity. —Kyndall Cunningham, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018

Looking towards the future, both Calla and Mitchell expressed their desire to keep the MAAs going into perpetuity. —Steven Aquino, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024

Somewhere in the suburbs, in a house walled off from the world, three adult children are raised in captivity and perpetuity. —A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 21 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English perpetuite, from Anglo-French perpetuité, from Latin perpetuitat-, perpetuitas, from perpetuus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing perpetuity

• in perpetuity

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Kids Definition

perpetuity

noun

per·​pe·​tu·​ity

ˌpər-pə-ˈt(y)ü-ət-ē

plural perpetuities

1

: perpetual existence

2

: endless time : eternity

Legal Definition

perpetuity

noun

per·​pe·​tu·​i·​ty ˌpər-pə-ˈtü-ə-tē, -ˈtyü- 

plural perpetuities

1

: the quality, state, or duration of being perpetual

devised to them in perpetuity

2

a

: the condition of a future estate limited in such a way as not to vest within the period fixed by law for the vesting of an estate

also : a limitation that gives rise to such a situation

b

: an estate that will not vest within the period fixed by law see also rule against perpetuities, statutory rule against perpetuities

3

: an annuity payable forever