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
Today, lifespans have increased threefold.
—
Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 31 Oct. 2025
New Balance’s influential sneaker loafer is now more than a year into its lifespan, and in the time since its debut many other brands have followed suit with their own sporty and smart hybrids.
—Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2025
Replacing an aging battery can dramatically improve performance and lifespan, often more than any software tweak.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 Oct. 2025
Tulips, unlike other spring bulbs, have a shorter lifespan.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2025
Dozens of power plants have been used throughout its lifespan, from the same mill found in the Suzuki Hayabusa superbike to small-displacement V-8s, but a classic combination is a Ford Duratec inline-four delivering about 280 hp.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2025
Redwoods have a typical lifespan of around 800 to 1,500 years, whereas some sequoias have lived at least 2,000 years.
—AFAR Media, 28 Oct. 2025
According to the National Park Service, the lifespan of an American crocodile in the wild is between 50 and 70 years old.
—David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
The average lifespan of an oil or gas pipeline is around 50 years.
—Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 25 Oct. 2025
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Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 31 Oct. 2025
New Balance’s influential sneaker loafer is now more than a year into its lifespan, and in the time since its debut many other brands have followed suit with their own sporty and smart hybrids.
—Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2025
Replacing an aging battery can dramatically improve performance and lifespan, often more than any software tweak.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 Oct. 2025
Tulips, unlike other spring bulbs, have a shorter lifespan.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2025
Dozens of power plants have been used throughout its lifespan, from the same mill found in the Suzuki Hayabusa superbike to small-displacement V-8s, but a classic combination is a Ford Duratec inline-four delivering about 280 hp.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2025
Redwoods have a typical lifespan of around 800 to 1,500 years, whereas some sequoias have lived at least 2,000 years.
—AFAR Media, 28 Oct. 2025
According to the National Park Service, the lifespan of an American crocodile in the wild is between 50 and 70 years old.
—David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
The average lifespan of an oil or gas pipeline is around 50 years.
—Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 25 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
lifespan
noun
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
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