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
Lipski added that 15-to-20-year lifespan recommendation is for all fire departments across the country.
—
Kelli Arseneau, jsonline.com, 20 Oct. 2025
Just remember to clean the rubber pads regularly to extend its lifespan.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 18 Oct. 2025
Since their birth in 1969, the Pads have had 23 managers, so their average lifespan on the bridge has been less than three years.
—Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Oct. 2025
Plus, women face unique challenges such as caregiving responsibilities, longer lifespans, greater health care costs, and pay inequity, each of which impact their confidence in financial planning, according to the panelists.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025
The gene known as FOX03 may lead to having a smaller body size and a longer lifespan overall.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 17 Oct. 2025
Improper washing and drying can reduce their effective lifespan.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Oct. 2025
Sitting for too long during the day can compromise your health and shorten your lifespan.
—Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 17 Oct. 2025
But from around 1988 to 1995, a number of labs identified a whole series of genes that, when mutated, could actually increase lifespan [in yeast and animals].
—Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 16 Oct. 2025
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Kelli Arseneau, jsonline.com, 20 Oct. 2025
Just remember to clean the rubber pads regularly to extend its lifespan.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 18 Oct. 2025
Since their birth in 1969, the Pads have had 23 managers, so their average lifespan on the bridge has been less than three years.
—Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Oct. 2025
Plus, women face unique challenges such as caregiving responsibilities, longer lifespans, greater health care costs, and pay inequity, each of which impact their confidence in financial planning, according to the panelists.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025
The gene known as FOX03 may lead to having a smaller body size and a longer lifespan overall.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 17 Oct. 2025
Improper washing and drying can reduce their effective lifespan.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Oct. 2025
Sitting for too long during the day can compromise your health and shorten your lifespan.
—Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 17 Oct. 2025
But from around 1988 to 1995, a number of labs identified a whole series of genes that, when mutated, could actually increase lifespan [in yeast and animals].
—Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 16 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 26 Oct. 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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