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
Examples of lifespan in a Sentence
the average lifespan of house cats
increase the human lifespan
Recent Examples on the Web
The Class of 2028 experienced generational stressors at a unique time in their lifespan development.
—
Eric Wood, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024
The smart screen faucet shows both TDS levels and the filter's lifespan.
—Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 5 Sep. 2024
In its 143-year lifespan, the inn has hosted famous visitors from Audrey Hepburn to the Kennedys and counts Herbert T. Kalmus, the inventor of the Technicolor motion picture process, as its former owner.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 4 Sep. 2024
Be sure to clean and care for your pillow regularly to help extend its lifespan (here’s our guide on how to wash your pillows properly).
—Ashley Zlatopolsky, Architectural Digest, 15 Aug. 2024
That’s because red and processed meats are linked to a wide variety of chronic health issues like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes that can cut your lifespan short.
—Lisa Rapaport, EverydayHealth.com, 12 Aug. 2024
Scientists are working toward improving its lifespan.
—Kara Fox, CNN, 9 Aug. 2024
Giant pandas have a lifespan of 18-20 years in the wild and up to 30 in captivity, according to Guinness World Records.
—Max Hauptman, USA TODAY, 17 Aug. 2024
Some home cooks have reported longer lifespans while others have had to replace their nonstick pans after just a year.
—Emily Farris, Bon Appétit, 14 Aug. 2024
Eric Wood, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024
The smart screen faucet shows both TDS levels and the filter's lifespan.
—Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 5 Sep. 2024
In its 143-year lifespan, the inn has hosted famous visitors from Audrey Hepburn to the Kennedys and counts Herbert T. Kalmus, the inventor of the Technicolor motion picture process, as its former owner.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 4 Sep. 2024
Be sure to clean and care for your pillow regularly to help extend its lifespan (here’s our guide on how to wash your pillows properly).
—Ashley Zlatopolsky, Architectural Digest, 15 Aug. 2024
That’s because red and processed meats are linked to a wide variety of chronic health issues like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes that can cut your lifespan short.
—Lisa Rapaport, EverydayHealth.com, 12 Aug. 2024
Scientists are working toward improving its lifespan.
—Kara Fox, CNN, 9 Aug. 2024
Giant pandas have a lifespan of 18-20 years in the wild and up to 30 in captivity, according to Guinness World Records.
—Max Hauptman, USA TODAY, 17 Aug. 2024
Some home cooks have reported longer lifespans while others have had to replace their nonstick pans after just a year.
—Emily Farris, Bon Appétit, 14 Aug. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lifespan.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near lifespan
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 20 Sep. 2024.
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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