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

This would offer the kind of shelf life and convenience best suited for serving members of the US military. — New Atlas, 15 Sep. 2026

Most white onions are softer and milder than red and yellow onions, and their shelf life is shorter. — Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Sep. 2026

Historically, reputational missteps had a finite shelf life bound by the news cycle; a negative headline would inevitably decay beneath fresh headlines. — Jessica Schaefer, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026

Don’t tell Barkley his shelf life is nearing its expiration date. — Zach Berman, New York Times, 11 Sep. 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