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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
One thing to know about Woot, however, is that deals there have a short lifespan, sometimes products only being available for a few hours.
—Gabriela Vatu, PCMAG, 1 Nov. 2024
Clean Carpets Carpet cleaning is also important to maintain their lifespan and also keep your home healthy.
—Terri Williams, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
Make This Reusable Kitchen Sponge for an Eco-Friendly Scrubber
How to Make Sponges Last Longer
Using a sponge for only a week might seem like a short time, but the good news is that proper maintenance can give your sponges a longer lifespan.
—Katelyn Squiers, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Oct. 2024
The average mattress has a lifespan of about 14 years, from manufacture to consumer disposal, according to MRC.
—Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2024
Her company, for example, sells a metal roof designed to easily accept solar and have a lifespan almost twice that of the average panel.
—Tik Root / Grist, Quartz, 19 Oct. 2024
According to hardware experts, the lifespan for hinges and handles can range from a few years to decades, with 10 to 15 years being average.
—Marni Jameson, arkansasonline.com, 19 Oct. 2024
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
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Word History
First Known Use
1831, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Dictionary Entries Near lifespan
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 13 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
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
More from Merriam-Webster on lifespan
Britannica English: Translation of lifespan for Arabic Speakers
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