lifelong

adjective

life·​long ˈlīf-ˌlȯŋ How to pronounce lifelong (audio)
Synonyms of lifelongnext
1
: lasting or continuing through life
a lifelong friendship
2
: long-standing

Examples of lifelong in a Sentence

He had a lifelong love of nature.
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.
In part, Sperr alleges that Kress has taken full control over Bass’ household and finances, and isolated him from lifelong friends and employees, attorneys wrote in the suit. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2026 The host even left a treat for Justice, a lifelong Bengals fan, whose squad was suffering through a 13-year playoff drought and that included seven seasons of at least 12 losses. — Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 4 Sep. 2026 Single Americans who say income matters in a relationship expect a potential lifelong partner to earn an average of $139,000 a year, according to a new survey highlighting the growing role finances play in modern dating. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 And given her lifelong love of the breed, Farlow can understand why the couple may have been powerless to resist. — David MacK, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lifelong

Word History

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lifelong was in 1613

Rhymes for lifelong

See All Rhymes for lifelong

Browse Nearby Words

life list
lifelong
lifeman
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Cite this Entry

“Lifelong.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifelong. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

lifelong

adjective
life·​long ˈlī-ˌflȯŋ How to pronounce lifelong (audio)
: continuing or lasting through life
a lifelong love for trees
a lifelong friendship

More from Merriam-Webster on lifelong

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for lifelong

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