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
So, for maximum lifespan make sure to store them in the back.
—
Stacey Leasca, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2026
The debate around the lifespan of these chips remains relevant, even if it's not garnered as much attention lately.
—Zev Fima, CNBC, 26 Feb. 2026
According to MetLife, persistent, rising healthcare costs coupled with longer lifespans are driving a sharp rise in retirement anxiety, according to MetLife’s new 2026 Paycheck or Pot of Gold Study.
—Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2026
Would donating one potentially shorten her lifespan?
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 26 Feb. 2026
The contracts Del Monte had with growers typically lasted about 20 years, intentionally long-term in connection to the lifespan of an orchard.
—Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 26 Feb. 2026
Cassar said the worms had a limited lifespan.
—Ed White, Fortune, 26 Feb. 2026
Cassar said the worms had a limited lifespan.
—ABC News, 25 Feb. 2026
Bhave is concerned about the way different genders access medical care over their lifespans.
—Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 25 Feb. 2026
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Stacey Leasca, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2026
The debate around the lifespan of these chips remains relevant, even if it's not garnered as much attention lately.
—Zev Fima, CNBC, 26 Feb. 2026
According to MetLife, persistent, rising healthcare costs coupled with longer lifespans are driving a sharp rise in retirement anxiety, according to MetLife’s new 2026 Paycheck or Pot of Gold Study.
—Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2026
Would donating one potentially shorten her lifespan?
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 26 Feb. 2026
The contracts Del Monte had with growers typically lasted about 20 years, intentionally long-term in connection to the lifespan of an orchard.
—Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 26 Feb. 2026
Cassar said the worms had a limited lifespan.
—Ed White, Fortune, 26 Feb. 2026
Cassar said the worms had a limited lifespan.
—ABC News, 25 Feb. 2026
Bhave is concerned about the way different genders access medical care over their lifespans.
—Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
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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