adj · noun · 7 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
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General-American:/pɚˈpɛt͡ʃuəl/
Received-Pronunciation:/pəˈpɛtʃʊəl/
Received-Pronunciation:/pəˈpɛtjʊəl/
US:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
CMU ARPABET:P ER0 P EH1 CH UW0 AH0 L
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
adj
Meaning 1
Lasting forever, or for an indefinitely long time.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: not-comparable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Set up to be in effect or have tenure for an unlimited duration.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: not-comparable
Examples
perpetual copyright
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
3
adj
Meaning 3
Continuing; uninterrupted.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: not-comparable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: continuous, nonstop
Antonyms: none provided
4
adj
Meaning 4
Flowering throughout the growing season.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: not-comparable
Topics: biology, botany, natural-sciences
Examples
By means of artificial hybridization, practised for a series of years, he has succeeded in producing a race of carnations which are perpetual bloomers.
The hybrid perpetual roses as a rule require to be pruned to within 4 to 6 inches of the ground.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
5
noun
Meaning 5
Ellipsis of perpetual check.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: abbreviation, alt-of, ellipsis
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
6
adjective satellite
Meaning 6
uninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuing
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
the ceaseless thunder of surf
in constant pain
night and day we live with the incessant noise of the city
the never-ending search for happiness
the perpetual struggle to maintain standards in a democracy
man's unceasing warfare with drought and isolation
