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

According to Johannes, that lifespan is expected to be between 20 and 25 years while requiring only minimal routine maintenance, largely focused on cleaning the solar panels. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 25 July 2026

Based on Cyclospora’s typical lifespan and contamination cycle, cyclosporiasis infections usually increase in early summer and drop off by August. — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 24 July 2026

The result is increasing structural lifespan and decreasing potentially massive costs during work disruption, repair, and replacement. — New Atlas, 24 July 2026

Decisions about materials, ease of repair, recovery and product lifespan are much easier to make while a product is still being designed than after production. — Clyde Eiríkur Hull, The Conversation, 23 July 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