NYT Dictionary

LIFELONG

/ˈlaɪf.lɔːŋ/

AdjectiveLIFE-longlife-long · 2 syllablesGrade 6

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2023, 2025, 2026

Meaning

Extending for the entire duration of life.

Etymology

Origin: Old English

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *leyp- Proto-Germanic *lībanąder. Proto-Germanic *lībą Proto-West Germanic *līb Old English līf Middle English lyf English life Proto-Indo-European *dlongʰos Proto-Germanic *langaz Proto-West Germanic *lang Old English lang Middle English long English long English -long English lifelong From life + -long.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

continuingendureinveteratelifetimeoldperennial

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 3 recorded puzzles, including a pangram:

2026-06-09OEFGILN
2025-03-18FOENLIG
2023-11-11EFGILNO