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

Traditional bars often relied on seed oils for texture and mouthfeel, sucralose or sugar alcohols for sweetness without calories, and various binders or fillers to keep costs down and shelf life long. — Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

Keep these in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 20 June 2026

Researchers found that refrigeration alone is not sufficient for a decent shelf life for seafood. — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 20 June 2026

Different manufacturers make different formulation choices based on factors such as cost, shelf life, consumer demand, regulatory requirements, and production capabilities. — Nia Bowers, USA Today, 18 June 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