Word
ages
US/ˈeɪdʒəz/
UK/ˈeɪdʒɪz/
Definitions
01a long time
A2 · Elementary Plural noun Informal
n. a very long time.
n. a long duration of time; frequently used hyperbolically in spoken English.
“I haven't seen my cousin for ages because she moved to Australia.”
“It took ages for the waiter to bring our drinks, even though the restaurant was nearly empty at the time.”
Usage
Usually follows the preposition 'for' or 'in'.
Pitfall
I haven't seen him for age.
I haven't seen him for ages.
In the sense of 'a long time', the word is almost always used in the plural form 'ages'.
02how old people are
A2 · Elementary Plural noun
n. the number of years that different people have lived.
n. the plural form of age, referring to the lengths of time individuals have existed.
“The children in the class are all different ages.”
“The survey collected data from participants of all ages to ensure the results represented the entire community.”
Synonyms
03historical periods
B1 · Intermediate Plural noun
n. long periods of history, like the Middle Ages.
n. distinct periods of history characterized by specific features or developments.
“We studied the different ages of human history in school.”
“The museum features artifacts from the Bronze and Iron Ages, showing how tools evolved over thousands of years.”
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Idioms
01. for the ages
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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