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

Most aloe vera gels have a shelf life of around one to three years, when stored properly in a cool, dry place without direct sunlight. — Makena Gera, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026

The price effects will likely show up in agricultural goods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, since their diesel-intensive production and short shelf life leaves them vulnerable to increases in diesel costs, Sposi said. — Max Zahn, ABC News, 17 July 2026

When knowledge has a much shorter shelf life, waiting months to produce polished training doesn't make sense. — Panos Siozos, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Manufacturers use these ingredients to speed up production and extend shelf life. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 15 July 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