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
Key Takeaways Moderate coffee consumption is linked with a longer lifespan.
—
Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 5 Feb. 2026
Renovating and updating your home DIY-style is a useful and cost-effective way to extend certain features’ lifespans.
—Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 5 Feb. 2026
From residency dropout to bestseller In the last few years, Attia has become a household name for those curious about longevity medicine, the science behind extending one’s lifespan while protecting health and vigor.
—Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
With the lack of clinical data that drives personalization and innovation, women, who experience unique hormone fluctuations across the lifespan, have been underserved.
—Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 3 Feb. 2026
Warsh and Druckenmiller don’t tell us his or her income or lifespan, essential factors in calculating one’s Social Security return.
—Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Two months after the Michigan Department of Transportation sounded the alarm on funding needs to repair bridges nearing or past the end of their lifespan in August, the Michigan Legislature passed its transportation funding package, which also established the Neighborhood Roads Fund.
—Jack Springgate, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026
Flushing your hot water heater annually keeps it running efficiently, extends its lifespan, and ensures consistent performance.
—Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 31 Jan. 2026
What’s more, vessel strikes are the leading cause of death of these whales, and more than 85% of right whales have been entangled in fishing gear over their lifespan.
—Kristi Swartz, AJC.com, 30 Jan. 2026
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Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 5 Feb. 2026
Renovating and updating your home DIY-style is a useful and cost-effective way to extend certain features’ lifespans.
—Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 5 Feb. 2026
From residency dropout to bestseller In the last few years, Attia has become a household name for those curious about longevity medicine, the science behind extending one’s lifespan while protecting health and vigor.
—Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
With the lack of clinical data that drives personalization and innovation, women, who experience unique hormone fluctuations across the lifespan, have been underserved.
—Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 3 Feb. 2026
Warsh and Druckenmiller don’t tell us his or her income or lifespan, essential factors in calculating one’s Social Security return.
—Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Two months after the Michigan Department of Transportation sounded the alarm on funding needs to repair bridges nearing or past the end of their lifespan in August, the Michigan Legislature passed its transportation funding package, which also established the Neighborhood Roads Fund.
—Jack Springgate, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026
Flushing your hot water heater annually keeps it running efficiently, extends its lifespan, and ensures consistent performance.
—Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 31 Jan. 2026
What’s more, vessel strikes are the leading cause of death of these whales, and more than 85% of right whales have been entangled in fishing gear over their lifespan.
—Kristi Swartz, AJC.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 7 Feb. 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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