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

Home backup power is shifting toward longer lifespans, higher efficiency, and entirely new battery chemistries. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026

Why large dogs age faster In many mammalian species, larger creatures tend to have longer lifespans. — ArsTechnica, 2 Nov. 2026

While running shoes generally can have a lifespan between 300 to 500 miles, some experts encourage runners to rotate a couple of pairs of shoes to get the most out of them. — Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2026

Depending on the peptide, the substances are marketed as helping with everything from extending lifespan to healing from injuries and workouts to improving one’s complexion. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 28 Oct. 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