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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
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
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