First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1life
noun \ˈlīf\
: the ability to grow, change, etc., that separates plants and animals from things like water or rocks
: the period of time when a person is alive
: the experience of being alive
plural lives \ˈlīvz\
Full Definition of LIFE
1
a : the quality that distinguishes a vital and functional being from a dead body b : a principle or force that is considered to underlie the distinctive quality of animate beings c : an organismic state characterized by capacity for metabolism, growth, reaction to stimuli, and reproduction
2
a : the sequence of physical and mental experiences that make up the existence of an individual b : one or more aspects of the process of living <sex life of the frog>
3
: biography 1
4
: spiritual existence transcending physical death
5
a : the period from birth to death b : a specific phase of earthly existence <adult life> c : the period from an event until death <a judge appointed for life> d : a sentence of imprisonment for the remainder of a convict's life
6
: a way or manner of living
7
8
: a vital or living being; specifically : person <many lives were lost in the disaster>
9
: an animating and shaping force or principle
11
: the form or pattern of something existing in reality <painted from life>
12
: the period of duration, usefulness, or popularity of something <the expected life of the batteries>
13
: the period of existence (as of a subatomic particle) — compare half-life
14
: a property (as resilience or elasticity) of an inanimate substance or object resembling the animate quality of a living being
15
: living beings (as of a particular kind or environment) <forest life>
16
a : human activities b : animate activity and movement <stirrings of life> c : the activities of a given sphere, area, or time <the political life of the country>
17
: one providing interest and vigor <life of the party>
18
: an opportunity for continued viability <gave the patient a new life>
19
capitalized Christian Science : god 1b
20
: something resembling animate life <a grant saved the project's life>
See life defined for English-language learners
See life defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of LIFE
Middle English lif, from Old English līf; akin to Old English libban to live — more at live
Related to LIFE
- Antonyms
- lethargy, listlessness, sluggishness, torpidity
Other Biology Terms
2life
adjective
: of or relating to life
: done as long as a person lives : existing or lasting throughout a person's life
Full Definition of LIFE
1
: of or relating to animate being
2
: lifelong <a life member>
3
: using a living model <a life class>
4
: of, relating to, or provided by life insurance <a life policy>
See life defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of LIFE
13th century
LIFE[1] Defined for Kids
life
noun \ˈlīf\
plural lives \ˈlīvz\
Definition of LIFE for Kids
1
: the state characterized by the ability to get and use energy, reproduce, grow, and respond to change : the quality that plants and animals lose when they die
2
: the period during which a person or thing is alive or exists
3
: all the experiences that make up the existence of a person : the course of existence <I never heard of such a thing in my life!>
4
: existence as a living being <He saved my life.>
5
: a way of living <We studied the life of the ant.>
6
: the time when something can be used or enjoyed <the life of a battery>
7
: energy and spirit <They gave the party some life.>
8
Medical Dictionary
life
noun \ˈlīf\
plural lives \ˈlīvz\
Medical Definition of LIFE
1
a : the quality that distinguishes a vital and functional plant or animal from a dead body b : a state of living characterized by capacity for metabolism, growth, reaction to stimuli, and reproduction
2
a : the sequence of physical and mental experiences that make up the existence of an individual b : a specific part or aspect of the process of living <sex life> <adult life>
—life·less \ˈlīf-ləs\ adjective
Learn More About LIFE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: life–and–deathPrevious Word in the Dictionary: lievriteAll Words Near: life
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up life? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).