shelf life

noun

: the period of time during which a material may be stored and remain suitable for use

broadly : the period of time during which something lasts or remains popular

Examples of shelf life in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While none of the free COVID-19 tests being shipped by the U.S. Postal Service this year will have already expired, officials acknowledge many now arriving in mailboxes will likely see their shelf life run out in a few months. —Alexander Tin, CBS News, 10 Oct. 2024

In this context, the past is a poor predictor of the future and the shelf life of knowledge reduces dramatically. —David Tuckett, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2024

Fresh pumpkin seeds scooped from a pumpkin have a higher moisture content and a shorter shelf life. —Johna Burdeos, Health, 1 Oct. 2024

Eco-Friendly Powder Detergents Powdered detergent requires less water to produce than liquid detergent, and even has a longer shelf life. —Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

shelf life

noun

: the period of time something may be stored and still be good enough to use

Medical Definition

shelf life

noun

ˈshelf-ˌ 

: the period of time during which a material (as a food or drug) may be stored and remain suitable for use