temporary

1 of 2

adjective

tem·​po·​rary ˈtem-pə-ˌrer-ē 

: lasting for a limited time

temporariness noun

temporary

2 of 2

noun

plural temporaries

: one serving for a limited time

adding several temporaries as typists during the summer

Synonyms

Adjective

• ad interim
• impermanent
• interim
• provisional
• provisionary
• provisory
• short-term

Examples of temporary in a Sentence

Adjective

The drug will give you temporary relief from the pain.

The delay is only temporary.

The settlers built temporary shelters.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

President Biden deserves credit for being solid in his support for Israel while trying to broker a temporary cease-fire. —George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2024

Most nights, the Palisades Park CEO hosts a cocktail hour at the company’s temporary headquarters directly across from the Palais des Festivals, where Cannes’ biggest premieres are held. —Brent Lang, Variety, 9 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from Latin temporārius "suited to the occasion, made for the occasion, lasting a limited time," from tempor-, tempus "time, period of time" + -ārius -ary entry 2 — more at tempo

Noun

derivative of temporary entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1564, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1848, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing temporary

• temporary duty

Kids Definition

temporary

adjective

tem·​po·​rary

ˈtem-pə-ˌrer-ē

: not permanent : lasting for a limited time

a temporary shortage

temporarily

ˌtem-pə-ˈrer-ə-lē

adverb

Etymology

Adjective

from Latin temporarius "lasting for only a short time," from tempus "time" — related to tense entry 1