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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
This predictive maintenance approach can decrease downtime and extend the lifespan of manufacturing equipment, reducing waste and the need for replacements. Raghunandan Gurumurthy, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024 Affirmations and Insights to Keep You From Losing Your Mind and Dr. Sascha Griffing, a clinical psychologist with extensive experience in women’s health across the lifespan, particularly at the intersection of trauma and mental health. Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 22 Oct. 2024 And research has shown that loneliness and isolation are linked to health concerns such as sleep problems, inflammation, depression, anxiety and a shorter lifespan. Madeline Holcombe, CNN, 18 Oct. 2024 Monarchs' entire lifespan is typically only 2-6 weeks. Outside Online, 16 Oct. 2024 Unlike other models, the gel fibers offer a bounce-back effect that allows your pillows to keep their fluffy shape for an even longer lifespan. Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 15 Oct. 2024 Improper use can also reduce the lifespan of your appliance. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Oct. 2024 Thanks to medical and technological advances, most of the previous century saw about three more years added every decade to the average lifespan of people in developed countries. Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Oct. 2024 Understanding Different Types of Social Cues A Word From Verywell Research suggests that reading can have positive effects on mental and physical health, including sleep, cognition, stress, and lifespan. Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 7 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of lifespan was in 1831

Dictionary Entries Near lifespan

Cite this Entry

“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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

life span

noun
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

More from Merriam-Webster on lifespan

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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