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lifespan

noun

life·​span ˈlīf-ˌspan How to pronounce lifespan (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
So, for maximum lifespan make sure to store them in the back. Stacey Leasca, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 2025 In addition, the enhanced crystallinity of the carbon simultaneously improves the electrode’s durability and extends the battery’s lifespan. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 24 Nov. 2025 Born on November 22, 1973, Hannah Shirley is now twice as old as most members of her species, having well outlived the typical 25–30 year lifespan of pygmy hippos in the wild. Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025 Eating higher amounts of ultraprocessed food may shorten lifespan by more than 10%. Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 21 Nov. 2025 But what is consistent is that every studio and decision-maker is using gobs of data and forecasting out a movie’s value not just in the lifespan of its run in theaters, but for as much as seven to 10 years in advance. Brian Welk, IndieWire, 20 Nov. 2025 Cheney’s passing provides an opportunity to reflect on the rapid evolution in medical technology, especially in the past half-century, that improved the lifespan and overall quality of life for Cheney, as well as millions of heart patients around the world. William Cornwell, The Conversation, 19 Nov. 2025 Cotton Incorporated’s development of water-repellent and abrasion-resistant technologies, including Storm Cotton for water resistance and Tough Cotton for durability, help reduce waste and extend product lifespan. Lauren Parker, Sourcing Journal, 18 Nov. 2025 Adaptive Power could extend the lifespan of your iPhone just by updating to iOS 26. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 17 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of lifespan was in 1831

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 30 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

life span

noun
: the average length of life of a living thing or of the persistence of a material object under specified circumstances or in a particular environment

Medical 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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