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
After the 20 minutes have elapsed, layer the ginger, cabbage, and fish on top of the rice in that order. Ingu Chen, Vogue, 27 Jan. 2025 Nearly three minutes of game time elapsed before either team scored a field goal in the second half. Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2025
Noun
Had Smith allowed one more second to elapse, the fight would have gone the distance and the judges would have been called into action. Simon Head, Newsweek, 12 Jan. 2025 Release Date MacRumors says that when its source comes up with the build number, only a week elapses before the general release. David Phelan, Forbes, 28 Dec. 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 5 Feb. 2025.

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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