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

Optimize potato shelf life by removing the sprouts and storing them at 50°F—unwashed and not in direct light. —Aly Walansky, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2026

The item has long been preferred by some shoppers for its extended shelf life and often cheaper price compared with fresh orange juice. —Melina Khan, USA Today, 5 Feb. 2026

This is especially true for perishable or hard-to-find foods, as frozen versions offer longer shelf life and greater accessibility. —Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 29 Jan. 2026

Other research suggests this protein could potentially be used to extend the shelf life of human organs for transplantation. —Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 27 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for shelf life

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

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