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

Synonyms

• continuance
• date
• duration
• life
• lifetime
• run
• standing
• time

Examples of lifespan in a Sentence

the average lifespan of house cats

increase the human lifespan

Recent Examples on the Web

Longevity has already emerged as the new keyword to lead the next wave of wellness, with the number eight eternity sign symbolizing each brand’s mission to help consumers lengthen their lifespans. —Tanya Benedicto Klich, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025

The fund has a 10-year lifespan, with a five-year investment period followed by a five-year exit strategy. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 13 Apr. 2025

The filter’s lifespan is maximized by the three layers of protection built around it. —Clint Davis, People.com, 13 Apr. 2025

Most often seen in clumps in an oasis, the plant can have a lifespan of 200 years. —The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025

Heavy drinkers had an average 13-year shorter lifespan compared to those who never drank alcohol. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 11 Apr. 2025

Dry cleaning provides a gentle solution and helps extend their lifespan. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Apr. 2025

The technique could be quite timely, as the first generation of turbine blades — made in the 90s — are coming to the end of their lifespans. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2025

Due to its long lifespan in the Rolex catalog, several variations were made: While earlier examples feature tritium lume, later examples featured LumiNova and then Super-LumiNova. —Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 28 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for lifespan

• businessman
• canavan
• caravan
• constantan
• dragoman
• fisherman
• handyman
• harmattan
• journeyman
• marianne
• middleman
• minivan

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

ˈlīf-ˌspan 

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