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
Cove Kaz's investment is predicated on a belief that Kazakhstan's tungsten reserves will have a lifespan that outlasts many political cycles.
—
Kevin Williams, CNBC, 3 June 2026
The lifespan of the authentic teen drama that introduced viewers to Danes’ unique emotional translucence, counted in episodes.
—Carla Meyer, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
Most people assume their lifespan is mostly written in their DNA.
—Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 3 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, 1 June 2026
The base is narrow, the lifespan is limited, the cause is sympathetic.
—Daniel Bunn, Oc Register, 1 June 2026
The village is replacing an older park that has exceeded its lifespan as part of a village goal to address a different playground each year to improve, update or replace, Reynders said.
—Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2026
Trafficking is closely linked to adverse childhood experiences, poly-victimization – that is, being exposed to multiple different forms of victimization across one’s lifespan – and structural inequities.
—Jennifer E. O'Brien, The Conversation, 1 June 2026
Black women are not only experiencing worse outcomes; their experiences reveal how health systems fail across the lifespan.
—Jallicia Jolly, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
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Kevin Williams, CNBC, 3 June 2026
The lifespan of the authentic teen drama that introduced viewers to Danes’ unique emotional translucence, counted in episodes.
—Carla Meyer, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
Most people assume their lifespan is mostly written in their DNA.
—Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 3 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, 1 June 2026
The base is narrow, the lifespan is limited, the cause is sympathetic.
—Daniel Bunn, Oc Register, 1 June 2026
The village is replacing an older park that has exceeded its lifespan as part of a village goal to address a different playground each year to improve, update or replace, Reynders said.
—Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2026
Trafficking is closely linked to adverse childhood experiences, poly-victimization – that is, being exposed to multiple different forms of victimization across one’s lifespan – and structural inequities.
—Jennifer E. O'Brien, The Conversation, 1 June 2026
Black women are not only experiencing worse outcomes; their experiences reveal how health systems fail across the lifespan.
—Jallicia Jolly, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 4 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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