Elapse/ɪˈlæps/ Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Time Transition Indicates a passage of time in narratives or explanations. Several years elapsed before the sequel to the book was released. Pro Tip 2/3Past Events Used in past tense to describe time that has already passed. Five minutes had elapsed when the alarm finally went off. Pro Tip 3/3Impersonal Concept Focuses on time itself, not personal experiences or emotions. Time elapsed between the meetings was spent preparing the presentation.