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

Cleaning your rain gutters properly (and often) reduces flood risk, protects your home’s foundation, extends the shelf life of the gutter system, and prevents pest infestations. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2026

Schrader also suggests adding some beeswax to coconut oil to help increase its shelf life and stability. — Emily Hayes, Martha Stewart, 17 Sep. 2026

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

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