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
And the influence that both romantic and platonic relationships have over a person’s lifespan raises concerns about the current declines in social health.
—
Jessica Dulong, CNN Money, 16 June 2026
Intex inflatable hot tubs Intex hot tubs are durable and have a five- to seven-year lifespan.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 16 June 2026
Throughout its lifespan, the station has served as a test bed for scientific research in microgravity and has in years past opened itself up to private commercial missions.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 16 June 2026
Dubai’s economic road map to 2033 is targeting a top global ranking in life expectancy, and PureHealth, owned by Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund L’IMAD, has focused research on extending residents’ lifespans by up to 25 years.
—Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 16 June 2026
The bridge will have 230 feet of clearance above the federal channel and will have a lifespan of 100 years.
—Adam Thompson, CBS News, 15 June 2026
In fact, the hoses have a much shorter lifespan than the appliance itself.
—Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 15 June 2026
Over time, the suede softens while still holding its shape, giving the shoe a long lifespan with minimal upkeep.
—Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2026
While the streaks may seem minor, the algae can spread quickly and, when left unchecked, shorten the lifespan of your roof.
—Colleen Sullivan, Martha Stewart, 14 June 2026
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Jessica Dulong, CNN Money, 16 June 2026
Intex inflatable hot tubs Intex hot tubs are durable and have a five- to seven-year lifespan.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 16 June 2026
Throughout its lifespan, the station has served as a test bed for scientific research in microgravity and has in years past opened itself up to private commercial missions.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 16 June 2026
Dubai’s economic road map to 2033 is targeting a top global ranking in life expectancy, and PureHealth, owned by Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund L’IMAD, has focused research on extending residents’ lifespans by up to 25 years.
—Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 16 June 2026
The bridge will have 230 feet of clearance above the federal channel and will have a lifespan of 100 years.
—Adam Thompson, CBS News, 15 June 2026
In fact, the hoses have a much shorter lifespan than the appliance itself.
—Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 15 June 2026
Over time, the suede softens while still holding its shape, giving the shoe a long lifespan with minimal upkeep.
—Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2026
While the streaks may seem minor, the algae can spread quickly and, when left unchecked, shorten the lifespan of your roof.
—Colleen Sullivan, Martha Stewart, 14 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 19 Jun. 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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