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

Synonyms of lifespan

• duration
• life
• lifetime
• time

Examples of lifespan in a Sentence

the average lifespan of house cats

increase the human lifespan

Recent Examples on the Web

Nestlé also says newer nutritional products can extend healthy lifespan in cats by more than a year. — Elsa Ohlen,carolin Roth, CNBC, 18 July 2026

Research has linked following these recommendations to a lower risk of chronic disease, healthier aging, and increases in both lifespan and healthspan. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026

This unwanted chemical warfare degrades the materials from the inside out, severely hurting performance and shortening the battery’s lifespan. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 17 July 2026

Mud Jeans launched in 2012 with the goal to extend the lifespan of jeans through repair, resuse and recycling. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 17 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for lifespan

• businessman
• canavan
• caravan
• constantan
• dragoman
• fisherman
• handyman
• harmattan
• journeyman
• marianne
• middleman
• minivan

Kids Definition

life span

noun

: the average length of life of a living thing or of the persistence of a material object under specified circumstances or in a particular environment

Medical Definition

lifespan

noun

ˈlīf-ˌspan 

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