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

Storing ethylene-producing fruits like apples and bananas away from sensitive vegetables, using paper towels to absorb moisture, and avoiding overcrowding in the fridge can all help extend shelf life. —Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025

For now, Wall Street is willing to treat these tariffs as political theater with a limited shelf life. —Catherine Baab, Quartz, 27 May 2025

High sugar content helps extend shelf life, with sugar as a natural preservative that inhibits the growth of microorganisms. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 24 May 2025

Busy Philipps and Michelle Williams Relive 2017 As far as recent Oscars scandals go, the Moonlight/La La Land switcheroo was way less taxing (and had a shorter shelf life, discourse-wise) than the Slap. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 23 May 2025

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