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
So, to find other sources of the material, scientists have been turning to lithium-ion batteries that have reached the end of their lifespan, yet still have perfectly usable amounts of the metal inside.
—
New Atlas, 30 Nov. 2025
To increase your tree's lifespan, fill a spray bottle and simply mist your tree all over once per day.
—Katherine Owen, Southern Living, 29 Nov. 2025
This means the very same material can be designed to have a different lifespan just by tweaking the angles.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 29 Nov. 2025
Moisture can also shorten a tire's lifespan.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Nov. 2025
Their average lifespan is between 10 and 14 years.
—Jackie Northam, NPR, 27 Nov. 2025
This distinguished evening will celebrate leaders advancing brain health across the lifespan and shaping a future free of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
—News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Nov. 2025
Tech giants have lengthened server lifespans on the books to six years.
—Yun Li, CNBC, 25 Nov. 2025
This is also the time when the brain undergoes one of its biggest changes within a person’s lifespan.
—Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 25 Nov. 2025
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New Atlas, 30 Nov. 2025
To increase your tree's lifespan, fill a spray bottle and simply mist your tree all over once per day.
—Katherine Owen, Southern Living, 29 Nov. 2025
This means the very same material can be designed to have a different lifespan just by tweaking the angles.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 29 Nov. 2025
Moisture can also shorten a tire's lifespan.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Nov. 2025
Their average lifespan is between 10 and 14 years.
—Jackie Northam, NPR, 27 Nov. 2025
This distinguished evening will celebrate leaders advancing brain health across the lifespan and shaping a future free of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
—News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Nov. 2025
Tech giants have lengthened server lifespans on the books to six years.
—Yun Li, CNBC, 25 Nov. 2025
This is also the time when the brain undergoes one of its biggest changes within a person’s lifespan.
—Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 25 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 5 Dec. 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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