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
Regular maintenance is an essential part of preserving your potting bench’s lifespan.
—
Megan Newton, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 May 2025
This translates to a much longer lifespan, and a more sustainable option compared to traditional batteries.
—Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
However, mismanagement of your vehicle and its battery can significantly shorten its lifespan and reduce its performance.
—Jack Shaw, Quartz, 28 Apr. 2025
The Vienna system engineered by Austrian Foreign Minister (and later Chancellor) Klemens von Metternich used the balance of power to extend his empire’s position as a great power well beyond its natural lifespan.
—A. Wess Mitchell, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Frequent bouts of rheumatic fever left the kid’s heart so weakened that one childhood doctor predicted a lifespan of 16 years.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 26 Apr. 2025
Vegan leather made from plastic often have the a shorter lifespan, ending up in landfill or in donation centers faster than their real animal sibling.
—Gia Yetikyel, Vogue, 26 Apr. 2025
According to Grand View Research, the industry was valued at over $50 billion in 2024 and is projected to continue growing as aging populations seek to extend both lifespan and healthspan.
—Abdo Riani, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Key Takeaways Regularly cleaning your garden gloves based on their material type helps extend their lifespan and keeps them protective.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 Apr. 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Megan Newton, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 May 2025
This translates to a much longer lifespan, and a more sustainable option compared to traditional batteries.
—Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
However, mismanagement of your vehicle and its battery can significantly shorten its lifespan and reduce its performance.
—Jack Shaw, Quartz, 28 Apr. 2025
The Vienna system engineered by Austrian Foreign Minister (and later Chancellor) Klemens von Metternich used the balance of power to extend his empire’s position as a great power well beyond its natural lifespan.
—A. Wess Mitchell, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Frequent bouts of rheumatic fever left the kid’s heart so weakened that one childhood doctor predicted a lifespan of 16 years.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 26 Apr. 2025
Vegan leather made from plastic often have the a shorter lifespan, ending up in landfill or in donation centers faster than their real animal sibling.
—Gia Yetikyel, Vogue, 26 Apr. 2025
According to Grand View Research, the industry was valued at over $50 billion in 2024 and is projected to continue growing as aging populations seek to extend both lifespan and healthspan.
—Abdo Riani, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Key Takeaways Regularly cleaning your garden gloves based on their material type helps extend their lifespan and keeps them protective.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 13 May. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share