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
Examples of lifespan in a Sentence
the average lifespan of house cats
increase the human lifespan
Recent Examples on the Web
Fallen eagle was a great role model for eaglet in need, staff say
According to the World Bird Sanctuary, the typical lifespan for bald eagles is 20 to 25 years.
—
Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025
That accident sparked the antibiotic revolution, extending the average human lifespan by 23 years.
—Ann Kowal Smith, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
However, there are widespread inhibitions against the use of fast chargers, as they’re widely believed to reduce the total lifespan of an EV battery – although there is currently little data to support the theory.
—New Atlas, 20 Mar. 2025
Meanwhile, abundance of Atlantic sturgeon remained very low, which can be explained in part by their lifespan.
—Logan Kistler, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2025
This long support window ensures that the Pixel 9a will stay current over its lifespan.
—Iyaz Akhtar, PCMAG, 19 Mar. 2025
Blanco hypothesizes that lemurs have developed a mechanism to enhance cellular survival by temporarily extending telomere length, potentially contributing to their longer lifespan compared to non-hibernating primates.
—Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 13 Mar. 2025
As a result, the brand has lined up some new licensees in key categories and countries and is working to expand its distribution among big-box sports and outdoors retailers while retaining the specialty stores that have been the backbone of its business for the majority of its lifespan.
—Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 10 Mar. 2025
Indeed, some people believe (without proof) that delaying menopause could extend women’s lifespans and healthspans.
—Stacey Colino, TIME, 5 Mar. 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025
That accident sparked the antibiotic revolution, extending the average human lifespan by 23 years.
—Ann Kowal Smith, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
However, there are widespread inhibitions against the use of fast chargers, as they’re widely believed to reduce the total lifespan of an EV battery – although there is currently little data to support the theory.
—New Atlas, 20 Mar. 2025
Meanwhile, abundance of Atlantic sturgeon remained very low, which can be explained in part by their lifespan.
—Logan Kistler, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2025
This long support window ensures that the Pixel 9a will stay current over its lifespan.
—Iyaz Akhtar, PCMAG, 19 Mar. 2025
Blanco hypothesizes that lemurs have developed a mechanism to enhance cellular survival by temporarily extending telomere length, potentially contributing to their longer lifespan compared to non-hibernating primates.
—Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 13 Mar. 2025
As a result, the brand has lined up some new licensees in key categories and countries and is working to expand its distribution among big-box sports and outdoors retailers while retaining the specialty stores that have been the backbone of its business for the majority of its lifespan.
—Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 10 Mar. 2025
Indeed, some people believe (without proof) that delaying menopause could extend women’s lifespans and healthspans.
—Stacey Colino, TIME, 5 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
life span
noun1
: 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
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