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 Root vegetables have a long shelf life, and were a filling addition to the stew. Erin Hooker, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2024 Check your cupboards as these products have a long shelf life. Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 7 Mar. 2024 Especially because today’s average 25-year-old is going to have a job in 20 years that doesn’t even exist yet because the shelf life of skills has gone down so much. Jane Thier, Fortune, 31 Jan. 2024 Moreover, ice cream has a certain shelf life of about six weeks to stay fresh in the freezer once opened, a requirement that the strict conditions aboard the spacecraft can’t cater to. Donna Sarkar, Discover Magazine, 2 Jan. 2024 The nuts are a good source of protein and energy and have a long shelf life. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 29 Feb. 2024 Inexpensive and infinitely versatile, with an impressively long shelf life, cabbage is an undisputed weeknight cooking hero. Zoe Denenberg, Bon Appétit, 15 Feb. 2024 Once opened, gochujang has a very long shelf life when stored properly in the refrigerator, up to 2 years. Aaron Hutcherson, Washington Post, 26 Jan. 2024 With all the mileage put on running shoes, their shelf life is short and a fresh start with a reliable pair could be the most welcome gift. Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shelf life.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shelf life was in 1927

Dictionary Entries Near shelf life

Cite this Entry

“Shelf life.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shelf%20life. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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