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
Creators now extend the lifespan of sports content beyond the ninety minutes on the pitch.
—
Ian Shepherd, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
Extended lifespan of existing structures, reducing the need for more extensive and disruptive replacements in the future.
—Brian Sherrod, CBS News, 27 May 2026
Moreover, these particles had lifespans lasting only fractions of a second and a price tag in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
—Kai James, The Conversation, 26 May 2026
Their lifespans vary, depending on factors such as frequency of use, age, material, visible damage, and general wear and tear.
—Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 25 May 2026
What is the lifespan of a wasp?
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 23 May 2026
Sharp utensils, oil buildup and dishwasher heating elements can also shorten a product’s lifespan.
—Ryan Brennan
may 22, Charlotte Observer, 22 May 2026
Not a bad way to spend a lifespan, or end a night.
—Jada Yuan, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026
This level of churn isn’t unprecedented in an NHL environment where the average lifespan of a head coach is extraordinarily short.
—Thomas Drance, New York Times, 21 May 2026
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Ian Shepherd, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
Extended lifespan of existing structures, reducing the need for more extensive and disruptive replacements in the future.
—Brian Sherrod, CBS News, 27 May 2026
Moreover, these particles had lifespans lasting only fractions of a second and a price tag in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
—Kai James, The Conversation, 26 May 2026
Their lifespans vary, depending on factors such as frequency of use, age, material, visible damage, and general wear and tear.
—Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 25 May 2026
What is the lifespan of a wasp?
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 23 May 2026
Sharp utensils, oil buildup and dishwasher heating elements can also shorten a product’s lifespan.
—Ryan Brennan
may 22, Charlotte Observer, 22 May 2026
Not a bad way to spend a lifespan, or end a night.
—Jada Yuan, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026
This level of churn isn’t unprecedented in an NHL environment where the average lifespan of a head coach is extraordinarily short.
—Thomas Drance, New York Times, 21 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 1 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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