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
For instance, Potrero Elementary has drainage issues, roof problems and major water intrusion under the building, and many of its trailers are well beyond their lifespan.
—
Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
Every foam mattress in this guide was tested by our editors and contributors in their own homes—many for years, if not the lifespan of the mattress.
—Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 10 Mar. 2026
Howard Sesso, the associate director of preventive medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School and the study’s senior author, cautioned that the results don’t mean a multivitamin adds four months to a person’s lifespan.
—Lindsey Leake, NBC news, 9 Mar. 2026
Omega-3s also play a role throughout lifespan.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 9 Mar. 2026
Powdered makeup has a slightly longer lifespan and can last two to three years.
—Cody Godwin, USA Today, 8 Mar. 2026
In addition, several finalists highlight ways to extend garment lifespans, such as repair networks, digital product passports and resale infrastructure.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 5 Mar. 2026
While the temporary jail facility is expected to be used as a temporary jail for three to five years, its structures could have a lifespan of 25 years or more.
—Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2026
Annuals give their all during their short lifespan.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
Every foam mattress in this guide was tested by our editors and contributors in their own homes—many for years, if not the lifespan of the mattress.
—Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 10 Mar. 2026
Howard Sesso, the associate director of preventive medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School and the study’s senior author, cautioned that the results don’t mean a multivitamin adds four months to a person’s lifespan.
—Lindsey Leake, NBC news, 9 Mar. 2026
Omega-3s also play a role throughout lifespan.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 9 Mar. 2026
Powdered makeup has a slightly longer lifespan and can last two to three years.
—Cody Godwin, USA Today, 8 Mar. 2026
In addition, several finalists highlight ways to extend garment lifespans, such as repair networks, digital product passports and resale infrastructure.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 5 Mar. 2026
While the temporary jail facility is expected to be used as a temporary jail for three to five years, its structures could have a lifespan of 25 years or more.
—Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2026
Annuals give their all during their short lifespan.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 14 Mar. 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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