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

However, engineering challenges such as thermal management and structural lifespan have historically kept them grounded. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2026

According to Stein’s office, the project is expected to contribute more than $1 billion to the state’s economy over the grant’s 12-year lifespan. — Charlotte Observer, 29 Sep. 2026

The mouse is quite durable, with a lifespan of over 100 million clicks, while remaining lightweight at just 62 grams. — George Yang, PC Magazine, 29 Sep. 2026

With the lifespan of professional stadiums lasting around 30 years, a wave of construction is expected in coming years to replace or renovate venues built in the 1990s. — Abigail Hall, The Conversation, 29 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