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

Synonyms of lifespan

• duration
• life
• lifetime
• time

Examples of lifespan in a Sentence

the average lifespan of house cats

increase the human lifespan

Recent Examples on the Web

Extending the lifespan of premium consumables is a core reason the category has resonated with buyers of luxury candles. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 22 Sep. 2026

Though their lifespan is unknown, these turtles are estimated to live between 30 and 50 years. — Paris Barraza, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026

For most of its lifespan, Invisible Histories served as an intermediary between donors and other institutions. — Charlotte Observer, 19 Sep. 2026

Genes don't completely determine your lifespan, but having a parent hit the centenarian mark helps. — Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for lifespan

• businessman
• canavan
• caravan
• constantan
• dragoman
• fisherman
• handyman
• harmattan
• journeyman
• marianne
• middleman
• minivan

Kids Definition

life span

noun

: the average length of life of a living thing or of the persistence of a material object under specified circumstances or in a particular environment

Medical Definition

lifespan

noun

ˈlīf-ˌspan 

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