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
Long lifespan but limited power output Despite the steady increase in voltage, the overall power remains very low.
—
Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 21 Apr. 2026
Their lifespan in the wild is typically around 10 to 12 years, depending on environmental conditions, according to Oakland Zoo.
—Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 20 Apr. 2026
Properly securing and storing your cleaning products can help maximize their lifespan.
—Lauren Wellbank, Martha Stewart, 19 Apr. 2026
Reducing waste generation is the most effective way to maximize the lifespan of landfills, Alonso added.
—Claire Wang, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026
And that includes savings in the infrastructure space from reduced maintenance and longer material lifespans.
—Alyssa Andrews, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
The average lifespan of a red blood cell is just under four months, while skin cells last about a month and those in the intestinal lining exist for just a few days.
—K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 17 Apr. 2026
Over time, the suede softens while still holding its shape, giving the shoe a long lifespan with minimal upkeep.
—Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2026
Normal operations still generate heat, and high temperatures can degrade performance and reduce lifespan.
—New Atlas, 15 Apr. 2026
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Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 21 Apr. 2026
Their lifespan in the wild is typically around 10 to 12 years, depending on environmental conditions, according to Oakland Zoo.
—Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 20 Apr. 2026
Properly securing and storing your cleaning products can help maximize their lifespan.
—Lauren Wellbank, Martha Stewart, 19 Apr. 2026
Reducing waste generation is the most effective way to maximize the lifespan of landfills, Alonso added.
—Claire Wang, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026
And that includes savings in the infrastructure space from reduced maintenance and longer material lifespans.
—Alyssa Andrews, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
The average lifespan of a red blood cell is just under four months, while skin cells last about a month and those in the intestinal lining exist for just a few days.
—K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 17 Apr. 2026
Over time, the suede softens while still holding its shape, giving the shoe a long lifespan with minimal upkeep.
—Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2026
Normal operations still generate heat, and high temperatures can degrade performance and reduce lifespan.
—New Atlas, 15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 23 Apr. 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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