perpetuity
noun
per·pe·tu·i·ty
ˌpər-pə-ˈtü-ə-tē 
-ˈtyü-
plural perpetuities
1
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
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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.
Examples of perpetuity in a Sentence
lands that should remain in their wild state in perpetuity
Recent Examples on the Web
It’s been just two years since Cartaya ranked as Keith Law’s No. 6 prospect in baseball in The Athletic, with the backstop seen as a potential future cornerstone for the Dodgers’ plans of extending their title window into perpetuity.
—
Fabian Ardaya, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
Like China, India is not content to live in perpetuity in architecture largely built by the West.
—Evan A. Feigenbaum, Foreign Affairs, 12 Dec. 2016
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
See all Example Sentences for perpetuity 
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Fabian Ardaya, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
Like China, India is not content to live in perpetuity in architecture largely built by the West.
—Evan A. Feigenbaum, Foreign Affairs, 12 Dec. 2016
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
See all Example Sentences for perpetuity
Articles Related to perpetuity
Dictionary Entries Near perpetuity
Cite this Entry
“Perpetuity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perpetuity. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal 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
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