elapse

1 of 2

verb

elapsed; elapsing

intransitive verb

: pass, go by
four years elapsed before he returned

elapse

2 of 2

noun

: passage
returned after an elapse of 15 years

Examples of elapse in a Sentence

Verb in those coin-operated binoculars at scenic areas your viewing time seems to elapse almost before it has begun
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
More than 14 months elapsed between the first and fourth successful flight of Rocket Lab's Electron rocket. Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 7 Feb. 2025 For example, 17 years elapsed between the Dallas-Pittsburgh duel in ’79 and the Troy Aikman-Neil O’Donnell version in 1996, while a 13-year buffer stood between the Pats-Eagles bookends. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 27 Jan. 2025
Noun
Eitan may never be freed if the Israeli government, under pressure from its right-wing base, renews its efforts to defeat Hamas once those six weeks elapse. Patrick Kingsley, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025 Had Smith allowed one more second to elapse, the fight would have gone the distance and the judges would have been called into action. Simon Head, Newsweek, 12 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for elapse

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Latin elapsus, past participle of elabi, from e- + labi to slip — more at sleep

First Known Use

Verb

1644, in the meaning defined above

Noun

circa 1677, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of elapse was in 1644

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Cite this Entry

“Elapse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elapse. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

elapse

verb
i-ˈlaps
elapsed; elapsing
: to slip or glide away : pass
weeks elapsed before I found time to write

More from Merriam-Webster on elapse

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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