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
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
Recently, Korean researchers developed an ultrathin silver-ion coating that prevents dendrite formation in lithium-metal batteries, improving safety, lifespan, and commercialization potential for next-generation energy storage.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2025
Cold water reduces those problems for all your clothes and linens, giving them a longer lifespan.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2025
Early in its lifespan, the Abzorb 2010 has featured in collaborations with Kith and Wtaps.
—Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
If the bottom leaves of a monopodial orchid turn yellow, the plant is probably preparing to drop them because the leaves are nearing the end of their lifespan.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Oct. 2025
That could translate into a longer lifespan and better energy efficiency.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025
This faux Dunhill Fir is designed to look and feel like a tree plucked straight off the lot, without the single-season lifespan or mess of shedding needles.
—Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
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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
Recently, Korean researchers developed an ultrathin silver-ion coating that prevents dendrite formation in lithium-metal batteries, improving safety, lifespan, and commercialization potential for next-generation energy storage.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2025
Cold water reduces those problems for all your clothes and linens, giving them a longer lifespan.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2025
Early in its lifespan, the Abzorb 2010 has featured in collaborations with Kith and Wtaps.
—Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
If the bottom leaves of a monopodial orchid turn yellow, the plant is probably preparing to drop them because the leaves are nearing the end of their lifespan.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Oct. 2025
That could translate into a longer lifespan and better energy efficiency.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025
This faux Dunhill Fir is designed to look and feel like a tree plucked straight off the lot, without the single-season lifespan or mess of shedding needles.
—Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 30 Oct. 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
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