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
Financial advisors call this lifespan, or longevity, and is calculated individually by providing some general health and family history information.
—
Medora Lee, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025
This not only keeps them cleaner but can help extend their lifespan.
—Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Oct. 2025
There is a need for investment in autism services across the lifespan, ranging from adequate support in schools to job training for autistic adults.
—Dr. Sunny Patel, Time, 2 Oct. 2025
Dreja, McCarthy and Relf would remain with the original group for its entire lifespan from 1963 until its split in July 1968.
—Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2025
This, in turn, can lead to costly and inefficient repairs that not only disrupt traffic flow but also shorten the lifespan of the roadway.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2025
However, these can shorten their lifespan.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 1 Oct. 2025
Students offer various interpretations and arguments informed by their own unique perspectives on loss, grief, memory and finite lifespans.
—Molly Ryder Granatino, The Conversation, 1 Oct. 2025
Nevertheless, the high failure rate among small businesses will always be an issue for landlords, according to Glenn Brill, a managing director in the real estate solutions practice at FTI Consulting, noting that the lifespan of more than 50% of small businesses is less than six years.
—Kevin Williams, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2025
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Medora Lee, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025
This not only keeps them cleaner but can help extend their lifespan.
—Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Oct. 2025
There is a need for investment in autism services across the lifespan, ranging from adequate support in schools to job training for autistic adults.
—Dr. Sunny Patel, Time, 2 Oct. 2025
Dreja, McCarthy and Relf would remain with the original group for its entire lifespan from 1963 until its split in July 1968.
—Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2025
This, in turn, can lead to costly and inefficient repairs that not only disrupt traffic flow but also shorten the lifespan of the roadway.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2025
However, these can shorten their lifespan.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 1 Oct. 2025
Students offer various interpretations and arguments informed by their own unique perspectives on loss, grief, memory and finite lifespans.
—Molly Ryder Granatino, The Conversation, 1 Oct. 2025
Nevertheless, the high failure rate among small businesses will always be an issue for landlords, according to Glenn Brill, a managing director in the real estate solutions practice at FTI Consulting, noting that the lifespan of more than 50% of small businesses is less than six years.
—Kevin Williams, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 8 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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