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
One extensive observational study in older adults linked coffee consumption to a longer lifespan as well as a lower risk of death from heart disease or cancer.
—
Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 8 Sep. 2025
Generic drug may extend lifespans A cheap generic drug linked to increasing lifespans may work by protecting against DNA damage, research suggested.
—Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 7 Sep. 2025
The breakthrough also enables a battery lifespan of over 300,000 km (186,411 miles) and effectively solves a critical safety and performance issue that has long hindered the advancement of next-generation EV batteries.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2025
About 115,000 examples of the TR7 were built worldwide over the model’s lifespan, of which nearly 29,000 were convertibles.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 5 Sep. 2025
Research shows tennis may extend lifespan and improve heart health, bone strength, mobility, and social connection.
—Cathy Cassata, Health, 4 Sep. 2025
The average lifespan of an adult monarch butterfly is around one month.
—Alyssa N. Salcedo, jsonline.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Archeological or paleontological evidence tells us that at that time your lifespan was 25, maximum 35 years.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025
Staining your deck offers protection that adds years to its lifespan, enhances its usability, and improves its appearance.
—Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2025
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Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 8 Sep. 2025
Generic drug may extend lifespans A cheap generic drug linked to increasing lifespans may work by protecting against DNA damage, research suggested.
—Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 7 Sep. 2025
The breakthrough also enables a battery lifespan of over 300,000 km (186,411 miles) and effectively solves a critical safety and performance issue that has long hindered the advancement of next-generation EV batteries.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2025
About 115,000 examples of the TR7 were built worldwide over the model’s lifespan, of which nearly 29,000 were convertibles.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 5 Sep. 2025
Research shows tennis may extend lifespan and improve heart health, bone strength, mobility, and social connection.
—Cathy Cassata, Health, 4 Sep. 2025
The average lifespan of an adult monarch butterfly is around one month.
—Alyssa N. Salcedo, jsonline.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Archeological or paleontological evidence tells us that at that time your lifespan was 25, maximum 35 years.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025
Staining your deck offers protection that adds years to its lifespan, enhances its usability, and improves its appearance.
—Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 10 Sep. 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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