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

Canned vegetables are often more affordable than fresh, especially when a vegetable is out of season, and their long shelf life—months, sometimes years—helps reduce food waste, potentially saving you money. — Bridget Shirvell, Martha Stewart, 7 Aug. 2026

Cook voted with the majority to hold last week — but her patience, evidently, has a shelf life. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026

Used as a dinner roll, Scott reworked Savage’s original recipe to include more shortening, eggs, sugar, and water, achieving a richer flavor and a longer shelf life. — Gabi De La Rosa, Southern Living, 4 Aug. 2026

An unopened bottle of hydrogen peroxide has a shelf life of around one year. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 2 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for shelf life

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

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