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
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.
Shelf-stable foods last a long time at cooler temperatures, but that lifespan can shorten considerably in the heat. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 8 Jan. 2025 Whether or not either of these two quarterbacks are worth a top-two selection, let alone a trade-up for one of these top two picks, a new quarterback can often extend the lifespan of a General Manager. Tyler Small, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025 Unlike conventional batteries, supercapacitors have an exceptionally long lifespan, lasting hundreds of thousands of charge-discharge cycles, whereas lithium batteries typically last only five years or less. Zackery Cuevas, PCMAG, 7 Jan. 2025 In the fast-moving air taxi and eVTOL market, things are jumping at a pace not seen since the dotcom bubble of the 1990s when flash new companies had the lifespan of mayflies with a chronic cough. David Szondy, New Atlas, 5 Jan. 2025 One thing that got me angry was the lifespan of things and the lack of repairability. Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Jan. 2025 The team’s analysis suggests the median lifespan for North Atlantic right whales is 22 years and that only 10% of the animals are likely to live past age 47. Bymitch Leslie, science.org, 20 Dec. 2024 The Handsfree Series features automotive-grade lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery cells, offering over 4,000 charging cycles and a lifespan of 10 years. New Atlas, 19 Dec. 2024 Deals on Woot have a very short lifespan, and only last for a limited time, or as soon as a product sells out (usually the latter). Gabriela Vatu, PCMAG, 16 Dec. 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 15 Jan. 2025.

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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