lifespan
noun
life·span
ˈlīf-ˌspan 
variants
or less commonly life span
plural lifespans also life-spans
1
: the average length of life of a kind of organism or of a material object especially in a particular environment or under specified circumstances
2
: the duration of existence of an individual
Examples of lifespan in a Sentence
the average lifespan of house cats
increase the human lifespan
Recent Examples on the Web
The original plan for Hubble was that it would be retrieved or deorbited by a Space Shuttle mission at the end of its lifespan.
—
Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 13 Jan. 2026
And while lights may seem durable, improper storage can shorten their lifespan.
—Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 13 Jan. 2026
In addition, deep cleaning the crud out of appliances extends lifespan and functionality.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 13 Jan. 2026
Why can sleep have such a big impact on your lifespan?
—Korin Miller, SELF, 12 Jan. 2026
Check all warning lights Over a car's lifespan, there will be warning lights on the dashboard trying to catch your attention.
—Keenan Thompson, USA Today, 9 Jan. 2026
But some city-by-city data – about income and insurance – suggest that the same inequities shaping lifespans around the country also exist in Orange County.
—Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026
For the record, groundhogs have four toes on their front feet and five toes on each back foot and most adult groundhogs tip the scales at more than 20 pounds, with a lifespan of five years in the wild and up to 20 years in zoo captivity.
—Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
This technique helps extend the lifespan of the rails and reduces wear on the railcar wheels.
—Garrett Behanna, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026
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Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 13 Jan. 2026
And while lights may seem durable, improper storage can shorten their lifespan.
—Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 13 Jan. 2026
In addition, deep cleaning the crud out of appliances extends lifespan and functionality.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 13 Jan. 2026
Why can sleep have such a big impact on your lifespan?
—Korin Miller, SELF, 12 Jan. 2026
Check all warning lights Over a car's lifespan, there will be warning lights on the dashboard trying to catch your attention.
—Keenan Thompson, USA Today, 9 Jan. 2026
But some city-by-city data – about income and insurance – suggest that the same inequities shaping lifespans around the country also exist in Orange County.
—Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026
For the record, groundhogs have four toes on their front feet and five toes on each back foot and most adult groundhogs tip the scales at more than 20 pounds, with a lifespan of five years in the wild and up to 20 years in zoo captivity.
—Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
This technique helps extend the lifespan of the rails and reduces wear on the railcar wheels.
—Garrett Behanna, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
lifespan
noun
variants
also life span
1
: the duration of existence of an individual
2
: the average length of life of a kind of organism or of a material object especially in a particular environment or under specified circumstances
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