lifetime

word

/ˈɫaɪfˌtaɪm/
LYF-tym
/lˈaɪftaɪm/
LYF-tym

Definition

The whole period during which a person, animal, or thing is alive or exists. It can also mean a very long period, especially all the years of one person's life.

Usage & Nuances

Common in phrases like 'in my lifetime', 'a lifetime of experience', and 'lifetime guarantee'. It can refer to a person's whole life or the usable period of an object. In everyday speech, 'once in a lifetime' means extremely rare.

Example Sentences

A dog’s lifetime is shorter than a human’s.

basic

He collected many books in his lifetime.

basic

That trip was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

natural

She spent a lifetime helping other people.

natural

This machine has a lifetime of ten years.

basic

I never thought I'd see a change like that in my lifetime.

natural