Everlasting means lasting forever, or seeming to last forever. When something is everlasting, it never ends or never wears out.

The word often describes things we hope will continue indefinitely. In stories and songs, people talk about everlasting love between family members or lifelong friends. Some religious traditions speak of everlasting life after death. The phrase everlasting peace describes an ideal state where conflict ends permanently.

But everlasting can also describe something that just feels like it's going on forever, even when it technically isn't. Waiting for summer vacation might feel everlasting when you're watching the clock in class. A boring lecture could seem everlasting even though it only lasts an hour.

You might also hear the similar word eternal, which means almost the same thing. When you encounter everlasting in writing, pay attention to whether it means literally forever or just feels endless, because context usually makes that distinction clear.