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
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.
Many versions still contain trans fats, which are chemically engineered to extend shelf life, but do real damage to your body. Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025 How To Freeze Butter for Longer Storage Freezing butter is a great way to extend its shelf life but there are a few things to keep in mind before simply tossing it into the freezer. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 10 Oct. 2025 The same car was previously sold by SBX Cars for $270,000 in December, which is a good guide for how much the car is worth, and also, perhaps, its shelf life for new owners. Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2025 PepsiCo has to identify a natural ingredient that will have a stable shelf life and not change a product’s flavor. Dave Smith, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shelf life

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shelf life was in 1927

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Cite this Entry

“Shelf life.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shelf%20life. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

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
: the period of time during which a material (as a food or drug) may be stored and remain suitable for use
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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