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
By maintaining all cells within an optimal temperature range, battery life is extended, the state of health (SoH) is protected, and the overall lifespan is enhanced.
—
Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 16 Nov. 2025
Depreciation estimates, Madsen said, generally take into account assumptions such as technological obsolescence, maintenance, historical lifespans of similar equipment and internal engineering analysis.
—Kif Leswing, CNBC, 14 Nov. 2025
His original assignment was to be a replacement machine gunner, a job that was said to come with a 15-minute lifespan for the person filling it.
—Julie Hinds, Freep.com, 14 Nov. 2025
Jade plants Jade plants may eventually feel like a member of your family because of their long lifespan.
—Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 14 Nov. 2025
Ultimately, that could prolong the lifespan of both drugs, and help countries avoid the kind of surge in deaths that's happened when resistance overwhelms existing tools.
—NPR, 12 Nov. 2025
Omarion Hampton is expected back after the Chargers’ Week 12 bye, so Vidal’s 2025 lifespan is basically one game now.
—Michael Salfino, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2025
Politicians and policymakers at the time wanted to create a standardized mortgage that borrowers could afford and pay off during their working years, when the average lifespan for an American was 66 years old.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 11 Nov. 2025
Your lifespan will see many presidents, senators, governors and mayors.
—Frank Digiacomo, Billboard, 11 Nov. 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 16 Nov. 2025
Depreciation estimates, Madsen said, generally take into account assumptions such as technological obsolescence, maintenance, historical lifespans of similar equipment and internal engineering analysis.
—Kif Leswing, CNBC, 14 Nov. 2025
His original assignment was to be a replacement machine gunner, a job that was said to come with a 15-minute lifespan for the person filling it.
—Julie Hinds, Freep.com, 14 Nov. 2025
Jade plants Jade plants may eventually feel like a member of your family because of their long lifespan.
—Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 14 Nov. 2025
Ultimately, that could prolong the lifespan of both drugs, and help countries avoid the kind of surge in deaths that's happened when resistance overwhelms existing tools.
—NPR, 12 Nov. 2025
Omarion Hampton is expected back after the Chargers’ Week 12 bye, so Vidal’s 2025 lifespan is basically one game now.
—Michael Salfino, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2025
Politicians and policymakers at the time wanted to create a standardized mortgage that borrowers could afford and pay off during their working years, when the average lifespan for an American was 66 years old.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 11 Nov. 2025
Your lifespan will see many presidents, senators, governors and mayors.
—Frank Digiacomo, Billboard, 11 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 19 Nov. 2025.
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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