longevity

noun

lon·​gev·​i·​ty län-ˈje-və-tē How to pronounce longevity (audio)
lȯn-
1
a
: a long duration of individual life
The members of that family are noted for their longevity.
b
: length of life
a study of longevity
2
: long continuance : permanence, durability
longevity in office is also an assetSpencer Parratt

Did you know?

As living conditions improve and the science of medicine advances, the longevity of the average American has increased greatly, from about 45 years in 1900 to over 75 years today. But the most impressive human longevity is nothing compared to the 400-year lifespan of an ocean clam found near Iceland, or the 5,000-year lifespan of the bristlecone pine, a tree found in the western U.S. We may use longevity to talk not only about actual lives but also of the useful "life" of things: the life of your car's tires or the shingles on your roof, for example.

Examples of longevity in a Sentence

His longevity was remarkable considering he had been so sick when he was a child. Better medical treatment has led to greater longevity. a study of human longevity The longevity of a car's tires depends on how the car is driven. They're trying to increase the product's longevity.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Which is why Ethan Gibson, director of North American communications for RM Sotheby’s, the world’s largest automotive luxury auction house by sales, said Cadillac’s historical longevity is part of what makes its vehicles so valuable today. Jackie Charniga, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025 Gueye has shown remarkable longevity but turns 36 this month. Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025 At various moments throughout the parade, Xi, Putin and Kim – who had never appeared together in public before – were seen leaning toward one another, sharing a smile and even overheard chatting about immortality and longevity on the way to Tiananmen Gate. Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2025 There are material choices, cost constraints and even the software focuses on the success of a single mission, not the longevity of the hardware. Divyaditya Shrivastava, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for longevity

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin longaevitas, from Latin longaevus long-lived, from longus long + aevum age — more at aye

First Known Use

1569, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of longevity was in 1569

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Longevity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/longevity. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

longevity

noun
lon·​gev·​i·​ty län-ˈjev-ət-ē How to pronounce longevity (audio)
lȯn-
1
: long life or continuance
2
: length of life

Medical Definition

longevity

noun
lon·​gev·​i·​ty län-ˈjev-ət-ē, lȯn- How to pronounce longevity (audio)
plural longevities
1
: a long duration of individual life
attributed his longevity to daily exercise and a healthy diet
2
: length of life
studies in longevity
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!