afterlife

noun

af·​ter·​life ˈaf-tər-ˌlīf How to pronounce afterlife (audio)
1
: an existence after death
2
: a later period in one's life
3
: a period of continued or renewed use, existence, or popularity beyond what is normal, primary, or expected
a TV show with a long afterlife in syndication

Examples of afterlife in a Sentence

Does he believe in an afterlife? written in afterlife, his memoirs reveal a kinder, more forgiving man
Recent Examples on the Web Robinson’s Calvinism holds out an earnest optimism about what awaits us in the afterlife, alongside a deep pessimism about our terrible brokenness here on earth. James Wood, The New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2024 The symbol of the scarab beetle means to come into existence or to continue to exist, which would have been important for a pharaoh hoping for a smooth journey into the afterlife. Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 27 Feb. 2024 These objects were not created to depict the wearer’s own face, but an idealized, youthful visage, which facilitated the deceased’s journey into the Egyptian afterlife. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Jan. 2024 Whether this was part of a ritual associated with either a deity or the afterlife of a deceased owner is unknown. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 12 Dec. 2023 The film flashes to the Master and Margarita in the afterlife, reunited and free. Paul Sonne, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2024 The co-burials could have been meant to provide a meal and companionship in the afterlife. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 14 Feb. 2024 The pig, cow, and chicken burials might’ve been sacrificial in nature, meant to serve and sustain the deceased in the afterlife. Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 14 Feb. 2024 Twins have a unique connection on Earth, but does that bond extend into the afterlife? Ilana Gordon, EW.com, 19 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'afterlife.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

after- + life entry 1

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of afterlife was in 1589

Dictionary Entries Near afterlife

Cite this Entry

“Afterlife.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/afterlife. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

afterlife

noun
af·​ter·​life -ˌlīf How to pronounce afterlife (audio)
1
: an existence after death
2
: a later period in one's life

More from Merriam-Webster on afterlife

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