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
Our solar system formed a mere 4.6 billion years ago, after two thirds of cosmic time had already elapsed, and life seems to have happened here almost as soon as Earth cooled down from its fiery birth to harbor oceans of liquid water. Conor Feehly, Scientific American, 4 Mar. 2025 With just days before the current truce elapses on Sunday, the sides have yet to begin negotiations for an extension. Patrick Kingsley, New York Times, 24 Feb. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Elapse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elapse. Accessed 12 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!