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
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the average lifespan for female killer whales is about 50 years.
—
Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 22 Dec. 2025
The lifespan of sheets is two to three years or every 100 washes.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 22 Dec. 2025
But experts caution that a daily glass of OJ on its own is unlikely to meaningfully improve heart health or extend lifespan.
—Jamie Ducharme, Health, 18 Dec. 2025
Constant output, minimal emissions, compact infrastructure, and long operational lifespans.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 18 Dec. 2025
Wind turbines are essential to the global shift away from fossil fuels, but what happens when their blades reach the end of their service lifespan?
—New Atlas, 18 Dec. 2025
But the lawsuit claims the company had neglected to replace aging utility poles in the windswept Panhandle, some of which were nearly 100 years old and more than twice their typical lifespan of 40 years.
—Jim Vertuno, Fortune, 17 Dec. 2025
Paxton's lawsuit claims the company neglected to replace aging utility poles in the windswept Panhandle, some of which were nearly 100 years old and more than twice their typical lifespan of 40 years.
—CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025
Why to Repot a Christmas Cactus Regular repotting not only encourages blooming and robust growth in your plant but also ensures a long lifespan.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Dec. 2025
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Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 22 Dec. 2025
The lifespan of sheets is two to three years or every 100 washes.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 22 Dec. 2025
But experts caution that a daily glass of OJ on its own is unlikely to meaningfully improve heart health or extend lifespan.
—Jamie Ducharme, Health, 18 Dec. 2025
Constant output, minimal emissions, compact infrastructure, and long operational lifespans.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 18 Dec. 2025
Wind turbines are essential to the global shift away from fossil fuels, but what happens when their blades reach the end of their service lifespan?
—New Atlas, 18 Dec. 2025
But the lawsuit claims the company had neglected to replace aging utility poles in the windswept Panhandle, some of which were nearly 100 years old and more than twice their typical lifespan of 40 years.
—Jim Vertuno, Fortune, 17 Dec. 2025
Paxton's lawsuit claims the company neglected to replace aging utility poles in the windswept Panhandle, some of which were nearly 100 years old and more than twice their typical lifespan of 40 years.
—CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025
Why to Repot a Christmas Cactus Regular repotting not only encourages blooming and robust growth in your plant but also ensures a long lifespan.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 25 Dec. 2025.
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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