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
While the financial costs of employee disengagement are significant, leadership longevity is equally critical in a context of longer lifespans and careers.
—
Dilan Gomih, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Alongside this, Waight Keller argues that care is also key in prolonging a product’s lifespan.
—Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 29 Jan. 2026
But as scientists learn more about the building blocks of biological age, tools may help target pathways that shorten lifespan.
—Michal Ruprecht, CNN Money, 29 Jan. 2026
Sheet vinyl is the least expensive but also has a shorter lifespan and, in some cases, less visual appeal.
—Dan Simms, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026
And stay tuned for more from The Enquirer on the all-concrete structure's historic lifespan as it's torn down throughout 2026.
—Sydney Franklin, Cincinnati Enquirer, 27 Jan. 2026
How long is 125 years, which the Hayflick Limit suggests is the most extreme end of the human lifespan?
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 23 Jan. 2026
Additionally, over its 25-year lifespan, this PPA will save the county approximately $30 million.
—Calvin Ball, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2026
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Dilan Gomih, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Alongside this, Waight Keller argues that care is also key in prolonging a product’s lifespan.
—Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 29 Jan. 2026
But as scientists learn more about the building blocks of biological age, tools may help target pathways that shorten lifespan.
—Michal Ruprecht, CNN Money, 29 Jan. 2026
Sheet vinyl is the least expensive but also has a shorter lifespan and, in some cases, less visual appeal.
—Dan Simms, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026
And stay tuned for more from The Enquirer on the all-concrete structure's historic lifespan as it's torn down throughout 2026.
—Sydney Franklin, Cincinnati Enquirer, 27 Jan. 2026
How long is 125 years, which the Hayflick Limit suggests is the most extreme end of the human lifespan?
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 23 Jan. 2026
Additionally, over its 25-year lifespan, this PPA will save the county approximately $30 million.
—Calvin Ball, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 31 Jan. 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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