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
Wooden piles, Schwartz tells me, used to have a decent lifespan in the harbor because the water was so toxic that even the critters that eat wood couldn’t survive.
—
Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 10 June 2026
Startups aiming to tackle some of the Gulf’s largest pain points and opportunities — financial inclusion, food security, and longer lifespans, to name a few — are a crucial part of the UAE’s diversification drive and its efforts to import less technology and build more at home.
—Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 10 June 2026
Researchers in South Korea have developed a new electrolyte additive that significantly improves the lifespan and capacity of aqueous batteries, a technology widely viewed as a safer and lower-cost alternative to lithium-ion batteries.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 June 2026
Keeping your bathroom tiles and grout clean not only enhances their appearance but also extends their lifespan.
—Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 10 June 2026
Ticks have two- to three-year lifespans, Molaei said.
—Allison Gollenberg, Hartford Courant, 9 June 2026
Proper care is crucial for extending the lifespan of cornrows.
—Omenaa Boakye, InStyle, 9 June 2026
Females mate only once in their 10–30-day lifespan but can lay up to 3,000 eggs.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 9 June 2026
Key Takeaways Regularly cleaning your garden gloves based on their material type helps extend their lifespan and keeps them protective.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 8 June 2026
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Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 10 June 2026
Startups aiming to tackle some of the Gulf’s largest pain points and opportunities — financial inclusion, food security, and longer lifespans, to name a few — are a crucial part of the UAE’s diversification drive and its efforts to import less technology and build more at home.
—Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 10 June 2026
Researchers in South Korea have developed a new electrolyte additive that significantly improves the lifespan and capacity of aqueous batteries, a technology widely viewed as a safer and lower-cost alternative to lithium-ion batteries.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 June 2026
Keeping your bathroom tiles and grout clean not only enhances their appearance but also extends their lifespan.
—Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 10 June 2026
Ticks have two- to three-year lifespans, Molaei said.
—Allison Gollenberg, Hartford Courant, 9 June 2026
Proper care is crucial for extending the lifespan of cornrows.
—Omenaa Boakye, InStyle, 9 June 2026
Females mate only once in their 10–30-day lifespan but can lay up to 3,000 eggs.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 9 June 2026
Key Takeaways Regularly cleaning your garden gloves based on their material type helps extend their lifespan and keeps them protective.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 8 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 13 Jun. 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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