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
This non-mechanical method also eliminates wear and ensures an ultra-fast response with a switch lifespan that could run to tens of millions of keystrokes.
—
Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
Follow these step-by-step instructions to extend the lifespan of your linen dresses.
—Lauren Alexis Fisher, Footwear News, 12 June 2025
Equipment lifespan is typically around five years, according to Consumer Reports.
—Kara McGinley, USA Today, 11 June 2025
But remembering to leave your washing machine door ajar can have a significant impact on the lifespan of your appliance, preventing mold and mildew, and reducing funky odors.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 June 2025
Sea turtles’ natural lifespan is estimated to be 50-100 years.
—Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 6 June 2025
There are times when a silent divorce means a relationship is at the end of its lifespan.
—Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 5 June 2025
Many of the military's most important spacecraft are limited by fuel, and the Space Force is investigating orbital refueling and novel propulsion methods to extend the lifespan of satellites.
—Stephen Clark – Jun 3, ArsTechnica, 3 June 2025
Flower food helps keep bacteria out of the water and extend the lifespan of your cut blooms.
—Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 1 June 2025
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Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
Follow these step-by-step instructions to extend the lifespan of your linen dresses.
—Lauren Alexis Fisher, Footwear News, 12 June 2025
Equipment lifespan is typically around five years, according to Consumer Reports.
—Kara McGinley, USA Today, 11 June 2025
But remembering to leave your washing machine door ajar can have a significant impact on the lifespan of your appliance, preventing mold and mildew, and reducing funky odors.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 June 2025
Sea turtles’ natural lifespan is estimated to be 50-100 years.
—Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 6 June 2025
There are times when a silent divorce means a relationship is at the end of its lifespan.
—Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 5 June 2025
Many of the military's most important spacecraft are limited by fuel, and the Space Force is investigating orbital refueling and novel propulsion methods to extend the lifespan of satellites.
—Stephen Clark – Jun 3, ArsTechnica, 3 June 2025
Flower food helps keep bacteria out of the water and extend the lifespan of your cut blooms.
—Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 1 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 17 Jun. 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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