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
Researchers then divided participants into three categories of cardiorespiratory fitness—low, medium, and high—and compared these levels with both lifespan and the development of 11 chronic conditions, including heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and cancer.
—
Sarah Garone, Health, 13 May 2026
Cooler temperatures can help blooms linger longer, while heavy rain, strong wind, or sudden heat can shorten their lifespan considerably.
—Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 13 May 2026
This potentially gives them a longer operational lifespan than conventional battery systems.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 12 May 2026
Harsh scrubbing can wear away the protective sealants that keep water and bacteria out, damaging grout lines and shortening their lifespan.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 12 May 2026
Throughout its lifespan, the station has served as a test bed for scientific research in microgravity and has in years past opened itself up to private commercial missions.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 12 May 2026
Excessive alcohol use — beyond one drink a day for women or two for men — is known to cause or worsen dozens of diseases and shorten lifespans.
—Amanda Erickson, STAT, 12 May 2026
While Cannes has become crowded, brands are layering creators on top of the film festival not to generate immediate spikes, but to extend the lifespan of red carpet moments and overall interest in the event itself.
—Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 12 May 2026
The typical running shoe lifespan is at most 800 km (497 miles), which means avid runners go through a pair every four to six months.
—Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 12 May 2026
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Sarah Garone, Health, 13 May 2026
Cooler temperatures can help blooms linger longer, while heavy rain, strong wind, or sudden heat can shorten their lifespan considerably.
—Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 13 May 2026
This potentially gives them a longer operational lifespan than conventional battery systems.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 12 May 2026
Harsh scrubbing can wear away the protective sealants that keep water and bacteria out, damaging grout lines and shortening their lifespan.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 12 May 2026
Throughout its lifespan, the station has served as a test bed for scientific research in microgravity and has in years past opened itself up to private commercial missions.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 12 May 2026
Excessive alcohol use — beyond one drink a day for women or two for men — is known to cause or worsen dozens of diseases and shorten lifespans.
—Amanda Erickson, STAT, 12 May 2026
While Cannes has become crowded, brands are layering creators on top of the film festival not to generate immediate spikes, but to extend the lifespan of red carpet moments and overall interest in the event itself.
—Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 12 May 2026
The typical running shoe lifespan is at most 800 km (497 miles), which means avid runners go through a pair every four to six months.
—Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 15 May. 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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