shelf life

noun

: the period of time during which a material may be stored and remain suitable for use

broadly : the period of time during which something lasts or remains popular

Examples of shelf life in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Giant white turnips resemble rutabaga and are often wax-coated after harvest to create a vapor barrier that seals in moisture and prolongs shelf life. —Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 20 Oct. 2025

Once opened, air exposure and cross-contamination from utensils can introduce moisture and bacteria, shortening their shelf life. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 19 Oct. 2025

That’s right—gasoline and other petroleum products have a shelf life. —Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Oct. 2025

In the end, buzzwords may have a short shelf life, but the responsibility of leadership to step in and help prevent the issues that drive these quips is forever. —Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for shelf life

• alewife
• birdlife
• folklife
• housewife
• jackknife
• loosestrife
• midlife
• midwife
• nightlife
• penknife
• wildlife
• afterlife

Kids Definition

shelf life

noun

: the period of time something may be stored and still be good enough to use

Medical Definition

shelf life

noun

ˈshelf-ˌ 

: the period of time during which a material (as a food or drug) may be stored and remain suitable for use