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
But your chargeback would have been a nonstarter because of the length of time elapsed. Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 19 Sep. 2025 In this state, space expands at a relentless, exponential pace, doubling in size in all three dimensions in just a tiny fraction of a second, and then doubling again and again and again with each subsequent fraction of a second that elapses. Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
However, John Ruddy, the 38-year-old reserve goalkeeper, is set to sign an extension for 2025-26, having also seen his previous contract elapse. The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 7 July 2025 Nearly an hour elapses before evil descends upon the saloon. A.a. Dowd, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 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 20 Sep. 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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