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
It’s being studied for its potential to slow certain aspects of aging, with researchers probing whether its effects on pathways like mTOR could help extend not just lifespan but healthspan.
—
William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
The lifespan extension is meant to provide energy stability while California transitions to all-renewable sources by 2045.
—Calmatters, Oc Register, 12 Aug. 2025
Leaving chargers plugged in increases fire risks and shortens charger lifespan due to overheating and voltage exposure.
—Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Aug. 2025
Regular mattress cleaning helps to eliminate these issues, ensuring cleaner, healthier, better sleep, and can also increase the lifespan of your mattress, according to Schultz.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 11 Aug. 2025
Periodical cicadas have a relatively short lifespan after emergence.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2025
In 2023, Fischer depicted her in an ephemeral piece, with a lifespan of a single gallery show.
—Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2025
The virus was sent to muscle cells with a long lifespan and delivered instructions to produce broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs), which are capable of neutralizing multiple strains of HIV.
—Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025
For some, the nostalgia soured near the end of the mall’s lifespan and subsequent demolition.
—Charlotte Observer, 30 July 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.
William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
The lifespan extension is meant to provide energy stability while California transitions to all-renewable sources by 2045.
—Calmatters, Oc Register, 12 Aug. 2025
Leaving chargers plugged in increases fire risks and shortens charger lifespan due to overheating and voltage exposure.
—Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Aug. 2025
Regular mattress cleaning helps to eliminate these issues, ensuring cleaner, healthier, better sleep, and can also increase the lifespan of your mattress, according to Schultz.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 11 Aug. 2025
Periodical cicadas have a relatively short lifespan after emergence.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2025
In 2023, Fischer depicted her in an ephemeral piece, with a lifespan of a single gallery show.
—Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2025
The virus was sent to muscle cells with a long lifespan and delivered instructions to produce broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs), which are capable of neutralizing multiple strains of HIV.
—Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025
For some, the nostalgia soured near the end of the mall’s lifespan and subsequent demolition.
—Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 21 Aug. 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