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timeless

adjective
time·​less | \ ˈtÄ«m-lÉ™s How to pronounce timeless (audio) \

Definition of timeless

1a : not restricted to a particular time or date the timeless themes of love, solitude, joy, and nature — Writer
b : having no beginning or end : eternal
2 : not affected by time : ageless
3 archaic : premature, untimely
Other Words from timeless Synonyms Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about timeless

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Other Words from timeless

timelessly adverb
timelessness noun

Did You Know?

Time is money. "Time is the great physician." "Time is a dressmaker specializing in alterations." Everyone seems to know what time is, but what does it mean to be "timeless"—that is, "without time"? Until around the turn of the 20th century, timeless was sometimes used to mean "untimely" or "premature," as in "he met his timeless end." That usage, which dates back to the late 16th century, is now considered archaic, but an equally venerable sense, "eternal" or "having no beginning or end," has proven more enduring. The two remaining senses are somewhat newer. The "not restricted to a particular time or date" meaning dates to the mid-18th century, while the most modern meaning—"ageless"—didn't exist until just before the turn of the 20th century. (By the way, the quotations we started with came from Benjamin Franklin, British statesman Benjamin Disraeli, and American writer Faith Baldwin, respectively.)

Examples of timeless in a Sentence

The dresses that she designs are elegant and timeless. the timeless beauty of the sea

Recent Examples on the Web

 The elements of truth and genuine joy for the process are timeless. — Dallas News, "Professor Matthew McConaughey: Oscar-winning actor to teach at University of Texas," 28 Aug. 2019 The elements of truth and genuine joy for the process are timeless. — Lauren Huff, EW.com, "Alright, alright, alright — Matthew McConaughey is officially a professor now," 28 Aug. 2019 The elements of truth and genuine joy for the process are timeless. — Alexia Fernandez, PEOPLE.com, "Professor Matthew McConaughey! Oscar Winner Joins Faculty at the University of Texas at Austin," 28 Aug. 2019 Their message about resiliency and developing the proper mindset was timeless and fittingly universal, considering the tournament has attracted players from 40 countries. — Stephen Ruiz, orlandosentinel.com, "Magic’s Nick Anderson advises Jr. NBA players: ‘Sometimes the outcome is not always what you want it to be'," 7 Aug. 2019 Sometimes, the best thing to do is save up your money for something high quality and timeless. — Kate Wagner, Curbed, "The budget furniture dilemma," 24 July 2019 And retro-style polka dots on a sweet pastel colored summer frock are timeless and have very much come back in style again. — Melissa Magsaysay, chicagotribune.com, "The best summer dresses — all under $100," 29 July 2019 Boasting timeless design in a hot real estate market, the homes of 2018 were a diverse blend of styles from the 1950s and 1960s. — Megan Barber, Curbed, "The 11 best midcentury modern homes of 2018," 26 Dec. 2018 He may be known for more timeless sartorial styles, but don’t let the suits and ties fool you: P.K. Subban always toes the line between classic and creative. — Jamie Lisanti, SI.com, "Fashionable 50," 18 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'timeless.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of timeless

circa 1560, in the meaning defined at sense 3

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More Definitions for timeless

timeless

adjective
How to pronounce timeless (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of timeless

: staying beautiful or fashionable as time passes
: lasting forever

See the full definition for timeless in the English Language Learners Dictionary

timeless

adjective
time·​less | \ ˈtÄ«m-lÉ™s How to pronounce timeless (audio) \

Kids Definition of timeless

: not restricted to a certain historical period a timeless story

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More from Merriam-Webster on timeless

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with timeless

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for timeless

Spanish Central: Translation of timeless

Nglish: Translation of timeless for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of timeless for Arabic Speakers

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