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
This reduces waste, extends product lifespan, and minimizes the use of new materials.
—
Thomas Coughlin, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
On top of this, a TriTex filtration system makes sure the motor is kept out of harms way to ensure a long lifespan.
—Alex Harrington, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
High-speed charging generates substantial thermal energy, which can accelerate cell degradation, reduce the battery’s overall lifespan, and in rare cases, lead to safety issues like thermal runaway.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 14 Sep. 2025
Dish towels can have a short lifespan in the kitchen.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2025
The timing is particularly crucial because much of the city’s infrastructure has outlasted its lifespan because it was built during the population boom of the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Sep. 2025
The plan is to investigate issues across a woman’s lifespan, focusing on areas such as cardiovascular disease, autoimmune conditions, and mental health, including depression and PTSD.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 11 Sep. 2025
There’s plenty of research to back the diet’s benefits for weight management, elongating your lifespan and reducing your risk of certain chronic illnesses.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Ghost, whose exact age is unknown, is said to be about 4 or 5, which is about the lifespan of the species.
—Paloma Chavez, Sacbee.com, 9 Sep. 2025
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Thomas Coughlin, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
On top of this, a TriTex filtration system makes sure the motor is kept out of harms way to ensure a long lifespan.
—Alex Harrington, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
High-speed charging generates substantial thermal energy, which can accelerate cell degradation, reduce the battery’s overall lifespan, and in rare cases, lead to safety issues like thermal runaway.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 14 Sep. 2025
Dish towels can have a short lifespan in the kitchen.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2025
The timing is particularly crucial because much of the city’s infrastructure has outlasted its lifespan because it was built during the population boom of the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Sep. 2025
The plan is to investigate issues across a woman’s lifespan, focusing on areas such as cardiovascular disease, autoimmune conditions, and mental health, including depression and PTSD.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 11 Sep. 2025
There’s plenty of research to back the diet’s benefits for weight management, elongating your lifespan and reducing your risk of certain chronic illnesses.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Ghost, whose exact age is unknown, is said to be about 4 or 5, which is about the lifespan of the species.
—Paloma Chavez, Sacbee.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
life span
noun1
: 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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