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
Examples of lifespan in a Sentence
the average lifespan of house cats
increase the human lifespan
Recent Examples on the Web
Big dogs like Great Danes and cane corso have the smallest lifespan, with an average of eight to 10 years.
—
Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
Considering the average lifespan of a tiger in the wild is just 14–16 years, that’s impressive progress.
—Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 12 Feb. 2025
Squirrel monkeys have a lifespan of about 20 years in captivity, making Oliver and Oakley a lengthy commitment for Bennett.
—Sara Belcher, People.com, 12 Feb. 2025
Any leaves that are submerged or get wet are a welcome place for bacteria to grow, which can end up shortening the lifespan of your roses.
—Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Feb. 2025
That 2019 study found chronically depriving mice of sufficient hydration shortened their lifespan by about six months – the equivalent of 15 years of human life.
—New Atlas, 10 Feb. 2025
People with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may have shorter lifespans, new research has found.
—Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 1 Feb. 2025
Even though advances in medicine and technology continue to extend lifespans, these factors, plus broader public health crises, such as the opioid epidemic and COVID-19, have underscored our ability to live longer.
—Julia Craven, Popular Science, 30 Jan. 2025
The intrigue: Punxsutawney Groundhog Club members insist there has only been one Phil since the tradition began nearly 140 years ago — at least 15 times the typical lifespan of a groundhog raised in captivity.
—Chrissy Suttles, Axios, 2 Feb. 2025
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Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
Considering the average lifespan of a tiger in the wild is just 14–16 years, that’s impressive progress.
—Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 12 Feb. 2025
Squirrel monkeys have a lifespan of about 20 years in captivity, making Oliver and Oakley a lengthy commitment for Bennett.
—Sara Belcher, People.com, 12 Feb. 2025
Any leaves that are submerged or get wet are a welcome place for bacteria to grow, which can end up shortening the lifespan of your roses.
—Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Feb. 2025
That 2019 study found chronically depriving mice of sufficient hydration shortened their lifespan by about six months – the equivalent of 15 years of human life.
—New Atlas, 10 Feb. 2025
People with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may have shorter lifespans, new research has found.
—Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 1 Feb. 2025
Even though advances in medicine and technology continue to extend lifespans, these factors, plus broader public health crises, such as the opioid epidemic and COVID-19, have underscored our ability to live longer.
—Julia Craven, Popular Science, 30 Jan. 2025
The intrigue: Punxsutawney Groundhog Club members insist there has only been one Phil since the tradition began nearly 140 years ago — at least 15 times the typical lifespan of a groundhog raised in captivity.
—Chrissy Suttles, Axios, 2 Feb. 2025
Dictionary Entries Near lifespan
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 22 Feb. 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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