lifespan
noun
life·span
ˈlīf-ˌspan 
variants
or less commonly life span
plural lifespans also life-spans
1
: the average length of life of a kind of organism or of a material object especially in a particular environment or under specified circumstances
2
: the duration of existence of an individual
Examples of lifespan in a Sentence
the average lifespan of house cats
increase the human lifespan
Recent Examples on the Web
Other current construction projects include new equipment to help remove sand, dirt and other large items from incoming wastewater, which will help preserve the lifespan of pumps at the center.
—
Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026
With regular cleaning, furniture made of these durable materials will have a longer lifespan.
—Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Apr. 2026
The project will provide a total benefit of approximately $4 million over the solar panels’ 25-year lifespan.
—News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2026
And the contemporary restaurant landscape brings its own challenges — ask any nascent restaurateur tempted by the siren song of Instagram walls or food trends with the lifespan of a mayfly — including the weight of online reviews.
—Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 6 Apr. 2026
Their study examines the benefits and drawbacks of social and digital media use across the lifespan.
—Crista Marchesseault, Hartford Courant, 4 Apr. 2026
Rotate rugs every few months to prevent uneven wear and extend their lifespan.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2026
Innerspring and foam mattresses tend to have the shortest lifespan (about five to six years), while latex mattresses are often the most durable, lasting seven to eight years.
—Sharon Brandwein, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026
Certain lifestyle habits can negatively affect your physical and mental health, shortening your potential lifespan.
—Sharon Basaraba, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2026
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026
With regular cleaning, furniture made of these durable materials will have a longer lifespan.
—Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Apr. 2026
The project will provide a total benefit of approximately $4 million over the solar panels’ 25-year lifespan.
—News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2026
And the contemporary restaurant landscape brings its own challenges — ask any nascent restaurateur tempted by the siren song of Instagram walls or food trends with the lifespan of a mayfly — including the weight of online reviews.
—Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 6 Apr. 2026
Their study examines the benefits and drawbacks of social and digital media use across the lifespan.
—Crista Marchesseault, Hartford Courant, 4 Apr. 2026
Rotate rugs every few months to prevent uneven wear and extend their lifespan.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2026
Innerspring and foam mattresses tend to have the shortest lifespan (about five to six years), while latex mattresses are often the most durable, lasting seven to eight years.
—Sharon Brandwein, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026
Certain lifestyle habits can negatively affect your physical and mental health, shortening your potential lifespan.
—Sharon Basaraba, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
lifespan
noun
variants
also life span
1
: the duration of existence of an individual
2
: the average length of life of a kind of organism or of a material object especially in a particular environment or under specified circumstances
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